User-generated content is content created by users rather than the product team. In SaaS products, user-generated content can include templates, messages, documents, and configurations. UGC is powerful because it makes a product flexible and scalable, but it also introduces governance and security requirements because users can create content that affects other users and downstream systems.
Why UGC Changes the Risk Profile
When users create content, you cannot assume it is safe or well-formed. This is especially true when UGC includes HTML or rich text. If your product provides a customer-facing editor, you must treat all content as untrusted input. UGC can break rendering, create confusing UI, or introduce security issues if it is rendered without safety controls.
Security and Sanitization for UGC
UGC requires protective layers. content security defines the boundary for what content is allowed and how it is displayed safely. email sanitization helps prevent unsafe markup and reduces rendering surprises caused by invalid HTML. If you allow custom blocks or integrations, apply the same rules consistently. Security should not depend on “well-behaved users,” because mistakes happen and attackers exist.
Governance and Traceability
If you support approvals, define what “approved” means. For example, an approved template might be locked to prevent edits, or it might require re-approval after changes. Clear states reduce confusion and prevent unreviewed content from reaching production sends.
UGC also needs governance. If users can publish templates or change configuration, you need to know who did what. Audit logs provide accountability and help you investigate incidents or support issues. They also help in enterprise contexts where customers expect compliance evidence. Good governance includes roles, approval steps, and clear limits on what end users can change.
User-Generated Content and Topol
Topol supports user-generated email content through structured editing and predictable output that is easier to validate and sanitize, helping SaaS products offer flexibility without sacrificing safety. Learn more at Topol or sign up at Topol signup.