Hong Kong-based Outblaze has joined the Messaging Anti-Abuse Working Group (MAAWG), a group of communications and technology companies working to eradicate email spam and other types of messaging abuse.

The announcement was made at MAAWG's 7th General Meeting in Brussels, Belgium.

Outblaze manages spam and virus protection for more than 75 million email boxes in 117 countries, providing it with one of the widest views of message abuse in the industry. Outblaze will join as a full member.

"Outblaze's global network and long experience in managing email will provide invaluable insights to our efforts," said Jonathan S. Curtis, Chairman of the Board, Messaging Anti-Abuse Working Group. "MAAWG is excited to welcome Outblaze as a member as we work to make the internet safer for communication and e-commerce."

MAAWG says it is the only organization addressing messaging abuse holistically by systematically engaging all aspects of the problem, including technology, industry collaboration and public policy.

"Providing world-class anti-spam services requires not only a technical approach but also a holistic one that educates governments, works closely with other large providers, and advocates on behalf of customers. MAAWG shares similar values and is an excellent organization through which the industry can further its fight against spam," said Suresh Ramasubramanian, head of Anti-Abuse operations at Outblaze. Mr. Ramasubramanian is a recognized spam expert and author of several authoritative texts on the subject including a seminal paper published in 2005 for the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).