Goodbye Spam! Airtel launches India’s first AI-based spam detection system that actually helps
Airtel has launched India's first AI-based spam detection system
Spam calls and messages have become the biggest threat to one’s peace of mind and online safety. Scammers also use spam to increase their probability of hitting an unsuspecting user to rob them of their money online.
TRAI has already taken many steps to curb spam, including whitelisting of urls, in telecom networks and deactivation of spammers’ sim cards. Taking a step further, Airtel, recently launched India’s first network-based, AI-powered spam detection solution that aims to drastically reduce the menace of spam across voice calls and text messages.
How to Enroll for Airtel’s Spam Detection System
Airtel has developed the first of its kind tool that alerts the user of ‘Suspected Spam‘ in real-time using its AI based technology. The solution is free of cost and no registration or app downloads are required. All Airtel users will automatically be enrolled for this service.
Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bharti Airtel said, “Spam has become a menace for customers. We have spent the last twelve months to solve this comprehensively. Today marks a milestone as we launch the country’s first AI-powered spam free network that will shield our customers from the continuous onslaught of intrusive and unwanted communications”.
“Designed as a dual-layer protection, the solution has two filters – one at the network layer and the second at the IT systems layer. Every call and SMS passes through this dual-layered AI shield. In 2 milliseconds our solution processes 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls every day. This is equivalent to processing 1 trillion records on a real time basis using the power of AI. Our solution has been able to successfully identify 100 million potential spam calls and 3 million spam SMSes originating every day. For us, keeping our customers secure is a burning priority.” Vittal added.
The AI-powered solution, developed by Airtel data scientists, uses a proprietary algorithm to identify and classify calls and SMSes as “Suspected SPAM” and flags them for users, like in the image below.
The network powered by state-of-the-art AI algorithm analyses various parameters such as the caller or sender’s usage patterns, call/SMS frequency, call duration amongst several others, on a real time basis. By cross-referencing this information against known spam patterns, the system flags suspected spam calls and SMSes accurately.
Big Relief for Users in Maharashtra
Airtel’s spam detection solution has given a big relief to its users in Maharashtra. In the last 7 days since its launch, the solution has been able to successfully identify 70 million potential spam calls and 1.2 million spam SMS in Maharashtra.
Commenting on the launch, George Mathen, Chief Executive Officer, Maharashtra and Goa, Bharti Airtel, said, “Every scam begins with a spam call. As a result, most people are reluctant to receive calls from numbers they do not recognize or to click on a link shared via SMS. With Airtel’s AI powered solution, all such fears can be put to rest.
33 million Airtel customers in Maharashtra’s 33 million Airtel subscribers no longer have to worry about any such frauds since Airtel has empowered them with a defense mechanism that will alert them to all such spam calls and SMSes in real time. Available only to Airtel customers, this solution will be one of the key differentiators compared to other service providers in the state. We are committed to working towards removing all annoying disturbances for our customers.”
The solution has two filters to provide dual layered protection – one at the network layer and the second at the IT systems layer. Every call and SMS passes through this dual-layered AI shield. In two milliseconds the solution processes 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls. This is equivalent to processing 1 trillion records on a real time basis using the power of AI.
Additionally, the solution also alerts customers to malicious links received via SMS. For this, Airtel has built a centralized database of blacklisted URLs and every SMS is scanned in real time by a state-of-the-art AI algorithm to caution users from accidently clicking on suspicious links.
The solution can also detect anomalies such as frequent IMEI changes – a typical indicator of fraudulent behavior. By layering these protective measures, the company is ensuring its customers receive the maximum level of defense against the evolving landscape of spam and fraud threats.
