What organizations set global standards?

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) publishes core email standards as RFCs (Request for Comments). SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and fundamental SMTP specifications all originate from IETF working groups. These become the technical foundation everyone implements.

M3AAWG (Messaging, Malware, Mobile Anti-Abuse Working Group) brings together industry players to develop best practices beyond technical standards. They publish guidelines on sender practices, anti-abuse cooperation, and emerging threats. M3AAWG membership includes major MBPs, ESPs, and security companies.

Regional bodies add layer: the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) establishes marketing ethics, the Email Experience Council (EEC) promotes industry knowledge, and various national regulators (FTC in US, ICO in UK) enforce legal standards. Together, these organizations create the rules governing email.