Basics

This page explains how blacklists work in Mapp Engage — including what types of data can be blacklisted, how entries are managed (manually, via import or automation), and what happens when blacklisted contacts are involved in messaging or import processes.

1. What can be blacklisted?

You can blacklist the following data types:

• Email addresses

• Mobile phone numbers

• Domains

  Domains can be blacklisted to prevent messages from reaching entire organizations or specific address ranges — for example, internal test addresses or domains restricted by policy.

Entries can be added:

• Manually via the interface

• Through file imports

• Using the API

• As part of automated workflows (e.g., after opt-out events)

Blacklisting is a manual decision. Unlike deactivation, it is not triggered automatically.

2. Import file formats

Mapp Engage supports the following formats for blacklist imports:

Text files

• Entries can be separated by commas

  someone@example.com, example.com, 1234567890

• Line-by-line:

someone@example.com  
example.com  
1234567890

XML files

Each entry must be wrapped in the appropriate tag:

<blacklist>
  <email>someone@example.com</email>
  <domain>test.com</domain>
  <phone-number>212121212</phone-number>
</blacklist>

MD5 hashed files

• Only hashed email addresses are supported

• Other formats will be ignored

3. Group vs. System Blacklist

4. Using automation to manage blacklists

You can also add contacts to blacklists via automation workflows. For example:

• After an unsubscribe event

• Based on profile changes or behavior

• Using event-based workflows for opt-out handling

Automation activities:

• Add to Group Blacklist (C)​

• Add to System Blacklist (C)​

5. What happens when blacklisted contacts are targeted?

Mapp Engage automatically blocks any communication or list entry involving blacklisted contacts:

• Subscription requests via API, email, or SMS are ignored

• Landing page subscription attempts return an error

• UI-based group additions trigger an error

• Imports skip the contact and log an error

• Messages forwarded by other recipients are not delivered

These safeguards ensure that blacklisted contacts are permanently excluded — even unintentionally.