Andros Fenollosa outlined a new approach to email architecture that replaces the traditional SMTP protocol with a system built entirely on HTTP. The proposed protocol, named HMTP (Hypertext Mail Transfer Protocol), aims to modernize email by swapping out legacy components while retaining the familiar user@domain address format, according to en.andros.dev.
Fenollosa's design reinvents every element of email communication, including sending, receiving, gateways, and encryption keys, by leveraging current web technologies such as HTTP, TLS, WebFinger, and ActivityPub. The system is intended to operate independently and will not interface with existing email providers like Gmail, focusing instead on a self-contained network.
This initiative addresses the long-standing design flaws of SMTP, which has been the backbone of email for over 40 years. By building on HTTP, the new protocol could enable more secure, flexible, and interoperable messaging. The approach reflects broader trends in internet communication protocols seeking to enhance privacy and user control, similar to developments seen in decentralized social media platforms.
Fenollosa’s blog post detailing the HMTP concept was among the top discussions on Hacker News, highlighting interest in rethinking email infrastructure. The project remains in the conceptual phase, with ongoing exploration of the technical stack necessary to realize this modern email system.