Bharti Airtel is preparing to launch an AI-powered solution aimed at cracking down on the rising problem of spam calls and messages. Starting from midnight on September 26, 2024, the advanced technology will alert users about suspected spam activities directly on their devices, according to Airtel’s Managing Director and CEO, Gopal Vittal.
The solution, developed in-house by Airtel’s data scientists, is designed to identify and label suspicious calls and messages using a proprietary AI algorithm. This system analyzes several key factors, including caller usage patterns, call frequency, and duration, to detect anomalies. It then cross-references this data with known spam indicators to flag any suspected spam content.
Vittal explained that the AI system processes over 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls daily, with the ability to detect around 100 million spam calls and 3 million spam SMSes every day. The service is free for Airtel smartphone users, and while it does not automatically block calls, users will receive notifications about potential spam, allowing them to decide whether to take action.
A key feature of the solution is its ability to safeguard customers from malicious SMS links by maintaining a database of blacklisted URLs. SMS messages are scanned in real-time, helping users avoid fraudulent links. Additionally, the system can detect fraudulent behavior, such as frequent changes in device IMEI numbers.
However, Vittal noted that this system does not extend to over-the-top (OTT) apps like WhatsApp, where spam calls remain a challenge. Despite this limitation, the new solution is seen as a major step in protecting users from evolving spam and fraud threats.
Key Highlights:
- The solution includes protection against malicious links but does not cover OTT apps like WhatsApp.
- Airtel launches AI-enabled tech to combat spam calls/SMSes starting September 26, 2024.
- The in-house solution uses AI to analyze calls/messages in real-time and flag suspected spam.
- The service processes 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls daily, detecting millions of potential spam instances.
- Alerts will notify users of suspected spam, allowing them to block calls manually.