Bharti Airtel Launches Free AI-Powered Spam-Detection System for Indian Customers

India’s Second-Largest Telecom Operator Takes a Stand Against Unwanted Calls and Messages

In a bid to curb the rampant spam calls and messages plaguing India, Bharti Airtel, the country’s second-largest telecom operator, has launched a free AI-powered spam-detection system for all its customers. The innovative solution is aimed at providing real-time alerts to suspected spam calls and text messages, thereby reducing the annoyance caused by unwanted communications.

A First-of-Its-Kind Network-Based Solution

Bharti Airtel claims that this is India’s first network-based, AI-powered spam-detection system. The feature will automatically activate for all users at no additional cost, ensuring that millions of customers are protected from spammers. With approximately 387 million wireless subscribers in India, Airtel is committed to providing a safe and secure experience for its users.

The Relentless Barrage of Spam

India has long been grappling with the issue of spam calls and messages. A recent survey conducted by LocalCircles found that an astonishing 95% of users reported receiving unwanted calls every day, with most facing at least three such intrusions a day. The government’s ‘Do Not Disturb’ (DND) registry has proven largely ineffective, with 90% of registered users still plagued by spammers.

Gopal Vittal: Airtel’s Commitment to Customer Safety

In an interview, Gopal Vittal, managing director and CEO of Bharti Airtel, expressed his concern over the menace of spam calls and messages. "Spam has become a major issue for our customers," he said. Vittal also called for stricter regulatory oversight on messaging platforms, including WhatsApp, to safeguard customers.

How the AI-Powered System Works

Airtel’s new system employs a dual-layer protection mechanism, filtering communications at both the network and IT systems layers. The company’s data scientists have developed a proprietary algorithm that analyzes various parameters such as caller usage patterns, call frequency, and duration in real time. This AI-powered solution processes an astonishing 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls daily, identifying 100 million potential spam calls and 3 million spam SMS messages every day.

An Additional Layer of Protection

Beyond filtering, the AI system scans SMS content for malicious links, cross-referencing against a centralized database of blacklisted URLs. This additional layer of protection aims to prevent users from accidentally clicking on suspicious links, a common vector for fraud and phishing attempts. The system can also detect anomalies such as frequent IMEI changes, which are often indicators of fraudulent behavior.

India’s Phone Spam Problem: A Growing Concern

India’s phone spam problem extends beyond mere annoyance. There has been a marked rise in Indians reporting calls from scammers impersonating government authorities, delivery services, and credit providers. The menace of spam calls and messages not only causes frustration but also poses a significant threat to consumer safety.

A Call for Stricter Regulation

In light of the growing concern over phone spam, Bharti Airtel’s Gopal Vittal has called for stricter regulatory oversight on messaging platforms, including WhatsApp. This move is aimed at safeguarding customers and preventing the proliferation of spam calls and messages.

Conclusion

Bharti Airtel’s launch of a free AI-powered spam-detection system marks a significant step towards reducing unwanted calls and messages in India. With its commitment to customer safety and innovation, Airtel has set a new benchmark for the industry. As the phone spam problem continues to plague Indian consumers, it is imperative that regulatory bodies take note of the growing concern and implement stricter measures to safeguard citizens.

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About the Author

Manish Singh is a senior reporter at TechCrunch, covering India’s startup scene and venture capital investments. He also reports on global tech firms’ India play. Before joining TechCrunch, Manish worked as a business journalist for several years, covering various sectors including technology, finance, and healthcare.

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