DMARC Updates Every Email Sender Needs to Know

What actually keeps email trustworthy in an era of spoofing, phishing, and AI-powered abuse? Strong authentication.

In this episode of Email After Hours, Guy Hanson sits down with Tom Bartel, SVP of Data Services at Validity and Chair of the M3AAWG Board of Directors, to unpack the latest DMARC updates—and why they matter for every email sender.

From SPF and DKIM to DMARC enforcement and reporting, Tom breaks down the often-confusing world of email authentication into practical  terms. Together, Guy and Tom explore how new the DMARC standards improve consistency across mailbox providers, close long-standing security gaps, and help legitimate senders strengthen both deliverability and brand trust.

They also dive into the collaborative process behind internet standards, the role organizations like M3AAWG and the IETF play in shaping the email ecosystem, and why authentication has become one of the clearest signals separating trusted senders from bad actors.

If you’ve ever wondered how mailbox providers determine trust, this episode is essential listening.

Are you an email marketing expert with bold opinions on the industry? Come chat with Guy and Danielle on a future episode! Drop a comment, ping us on LinkedIn, or simply fill out this guest form.

SOME EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• [02:08] What M3AAWG does and why collaboration matters
• [04:27] DMARC explained In simple terms
• [06:19] Why DMARC took years to evolve
• [09:47] New DMARC RFCs, tags, and technical updates
• [17:24] Reporting changes, sender benefits, and deliverability gains
• [23:38] Future DMARC initiatives and helpful resources