Why do email standards exist?

Email standards exist to solve coordination problems in a decentralized global communication system. Without agreed protocols, email systems built by different organizations could not communicate. Without behavioral standards, spam would overwhelm legitimate mail.

Technical standards enable interoperability: your email client can send messages to any server because both speak SMTP. Authentication standards prevent spoofing by creating verifiable identity. Behavioral standards protect the ecosystem by defining responsible sending practices.

Standards also protect all participants. Senders benefit from clear expectations. Recipients benefit from spam reduction. Mailbox providers benefit from manageable inbox experiences. The email ecosystem thrives because standards create predictable rules everyone follows.