Airtel Launches India's First AI-Powered Solution to Combat Spam Calls and SMS

Airtel Unveils India's First AI-Powered Solution to Block Spam Calls and SMS

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.

Airtel CEO calls spam a 'menace', launches free AI-powered solution to combat it

Spam calls may soon become a thing of the past, to Bharti Airtel customers at least. In a groundbreaking move to tackle the growing menace of spam calls and messages, Airtel today launched what's being billed as "India's first AI-powered, network-based spam detection solution," for its customers. The "in-house" tool aims to provide Airtel customers with real-time alerts on suspected spam calls and SMSes, significantly lowering the frequency of such unwanted communication. Airtel's Managing Director and CEO, Gopal Vittal, highlighted the severity of the problem. In a press release sent over email, Vittal said, "Spam has become a menace for customers. We've spent the last twelve months solving this comprehensively. Today marks a milestone as we launch the country's first AI-powered spam-free network." This free-of-cost solution is automatically activated for all Airtel users which is to say that there is no need to raise a service request or download any app to access it. The telco, India's second largest, explained that the system works by employing a dual-layered "AI shield" that filters every call and SMS at both, the network as well as IT system levels. The capacity being quoted seems fairly impressive, too. Vittal revealed it can process an astounding 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls daily while identifying 100 million potential spam calls and 3 million spam messages each day. Airtel's AI-powered solution, developed in-house by its data scientists, uses a proprietary algorithm to classify calls and SMSes as "Suspected SPAM" by analysing caller behaviour, call frequency, and other parametres, all in real time. The system is designed to flag suspicious communications "accurately" but by how much, remains unclear at the time of writing. Additionally, it can scan SMSes for malicious links sending out alerts if they contain any potentially harmful link through a "centralised" database of blacklisted URLs. Furthermore, the solution is capable of detecting fraudulent behaviour by tracking frequent IMEI changes, a common indicator of scams. "For us, keeping our customers secure is a burning priority," added Vittal. This AI-powered system is designed to shield them from the "continuous onslaught of intrusive and unwanted communications."

Airtel launches India's first Al-powered network solution for spam detection

Lately, promotional voice calls and messages from unregistered marketers have to some extent become a menace. According to the telecom operator Airtel, the tool will alert customers in real-time to all suspected spam calls and SMSes. The solution is free of cost and will get auto-activated for all Airtel customers without them having to raise a service request or download an app. "Spam has become a menace for customers. We have spent the last twelve months to solve this comprehensively," Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bharti Airtel, said on the occasion. "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. Developed in-house by Airtel's data scientists, the AI-powered solution uses a proprietary algorithm to identify and classify calls and SMSes as "Suspected SPAM". The telecom operator claimed that its system flags suspected spam calls and SMSes accurately. Additionally, the Airtel solution also alerts customers to malicious links received via SMS. For this, Airtel said it has built a centralised database of blacklisted URLs and every SMS is scanned in realtime by AI algorithm to caution users from accidentally clicking on suspicious links. Recently, in a major step to curb the increasing number of spam calls, regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has mandated all service providers to stop voice promotional calls, be pre-recorded or computer generated or otherwise, from all unregistered senders or telemarketers.

Airtel Launches AI-Powered Network Solution for Spam Detection

Bharti Airtel today announced the launch of what it claims is India's first network-based, AI-powered spam detection solution that will significantly solve the issue of spam calls and messages for its customers. Airtel says its AI solution processes 1 trillion records in real-time, flagging 100 million spam calls and 3 million SMS messages every day. Also Read: Airtel Develops AI-Based Solution to Prevent Phishing and Fraud Through Messaging: Report According to the company, this first-of-its-kind solution from a telecom service provider in the country is a tool that will alert customers in real time to all suspected spam calls and SMS messages. The solution is available free of charge and will be automatically activated for all Airtel customers without them needing to raise a service request or download an app, Airtel said. Commenting on the launch of the solution, Bharti Airtel said, "Spam has become a menace for customers. We have spent the last twelve months working 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 system, the solution features 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 just 2 milliseconds, our solution processes 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls every day. This is equivalent to processing 1 trillion records in real-time using the power of AI. Our solution has successfully identified 100 million potential spam calls and 3 million spam SMS messages every day. For us, keeping our customers secure is a top priority," Airtel added. Also Read: Airtel to Enhance Customer Experience Through Intel's Latest AI Tech The AI-powered solution has reportedly been developed by Airtel's data scientists and uses a proprietary algorithm to identify and classify calls and SMS messages as "Suspected SPAM." Airtel explained that the AI-powered network analyses various parameters such as the caller or sender's usage patterns, call/SMS frequency, and call duration, among others, in real-time. By cross-referencing this information against known spam patterns, the system accurately flags suspected spam calls and SMS messages. Additionally, Airtel said the solution also alerts customers to malicious links received via SMS. In addition to spam detection, the tool scans SMS messages for malicious links, using a centralised database of blacklisted URLs to safeguard users from potential threats. The launch aligns with the Government of India's guidelines, ensuring legitimate transactional calls from specific prefixes while managing promotional calls for those who have not opted for Do Not Disturb services. Also Read: Airtel Deploys AI Based Speech Analytics Solution to Improve Customer Experience The Government of India has allocated 10-digit numbers with the prefix 160 for service and transactional calls. Additionally, customers who have not opted for Do Not Disturb (DND) and have subscribed to receive promotional calls will continue to receive them from a 10-digit number with the prefix 140.

Airtel launches India's first Al-powered network solution for spam detection

Bharti Airtel has introduced India's first AI-powered spam detection solution to combat spam calls and messages. This network-based tool alerts customers in real-time about suspected spam without requiring any action from them. The dual-layer protection system processes billions of calls and messages daily, ensuring enhanced security for Airtel users.Bharti Airtel on Wednesday launched India's first network-based, AI-powered spam detection solution to address the issue of spam calls and messages for its customers. "A first-of-its-kind solution by a telecom service provider in the country, the tool will alert customers in real-time to all suspected spam calls and SMSes. The solution is free of cost and will get auto-activated for all Airtel customers without them having to raise a service request or download an app," the company said in a press release. 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". Bharti Airtel's spam detection solution is designed as a dual-layer protection. It 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, the solution processes 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls every day, CEO Vittal said. "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 SMSs originating every day. For us, keeping our customers secure is a burning priority," Vittal added. Developed in-house by Airtel's data scientists, the AI-powered solution uses a proprietary algorithm to identify and classify calls and SMSs as 'Suspected SPAM'. The network powered by 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 SMSs accurately. Additionally, the solution also alerts customers to malicious links received via SMS. For this, Airtel has built a centralised database of blacklisted URLs and every SMS is scanned in real time by an 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 maximum level of defense against the evolving landscape of spam and fraud threats," the company said.

Airtel adds AI powered real-time spam detection tool to its network

Bharati Airtel on Wednesday (September 25, 2024) announced to introduce an AI-powered tool that will alert its users in real-time to all suspected spam calls and SMSes. The telecom service provider claims this new AI-integrated tool is going to significantly solve the issue of spam calls and messages for its subscribers. The solution is free of cost and will get auto-activated for all Airtel customers without them having to raise a service request or download an app, said Airtel. Airtel's new AI solution has been able to successfully identify 100 million potential spam calls and 3 million spam SMSes originating every day, it claims. (For top technology news of the day, subscribe to our tech newsletter Today's Cache) The new spam detecting AI tool works as dual-layer protection: one at the network layer and the second at the IT systems layer. Every call and SMS pass through this AI shield. In 2 milliseconds, the solution processes 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls every day which is equivalent to processing 1 trillion records on a real time basis using the power of AI, it said. Additionally, the solution also alerts customers to malicious links received via SMS. For this, Airtel has built a centralised database of blacklisted URLs and every SMS is scanned in real time by using AI algorithm to caution users. The solution can also detect anomalies such as frequent IMEI changes - a typical indicator of fraudulent behavior. "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," said Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bharti Airtel. Airtel said that this AI solution is developed in-house. The network powered by 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, Airtel said. Published - September 25, 2024 12:29 pm IST Read Comments

Airtel Launches AI-Powered Spam Detection for Calls and SMS

Bharti Airtel has launched a network-based, AI-powered spam detection solution that will alert customers in real-time about suspected spam calls and messages. This system detects spam through an AI-based analysis of various parameters such as a caller/message sender's usage pattern, call/SMS frequency, call duration, etc. The spam detector cross-references this information against known spam patterns to alert users about suspected spam. The company is auto-activating this solution for its customers. While Airtel may be the first company to implement this solution, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had directed companies to implement an AI/ML-based spam detection system back in June 2023. The regulator believed that an AI/ML-based system would be able to deal with the new patterns and new techniques that unregistered telemarketers might use. However, after this directive, there was no new information about how these systems would work, or whether any telco had implemented them. Interestingly, this is fairly similar to the suggestion the TRAI made in its recent consultation reviewing the 2018 spam regulations. In this paper, the regulator notes that telcos should build a proactive mechanism for tracking spam where they track users if they are sending more than a prescribed number of calls/messages in a day. This system should allow the telco to automatically take feedback from those receiving these calls/messages to verify if the calls were spam. The regulator has also suggested that telcos should verify whether a company is using an individual's number (a ten-digit number) to call their customers. TRAI says that any person making calls to more than 60% new people every day, with an average call duration of fewer than 10 seconds, over 50% unanswered calls, and an incoming to-outgoing call ratio of less than 0.2 in a day, could be a spammer. Besides giving alerts about spam calls/messages, Airtel's spam detection system warns customers about malicious URLs in SMSs as well. To do so, it goes through Airtel's centralised database of blacklisted URLs. The solution can also detect frequent IMEI changes, which can be an indicator of malicious behaviour. Just like the detection system, this also appears to be in compliance with TRAI's recent spam directive, which instructed telecom companies to not transmit messages that contain URLs, APKs, and OTT links, which business entities sending the messaging have not whitelisted. Notably, business entities are finding it hard to comply with these directions, according to a report by the Economic Times. The entities argue that they create dynamic URLs specifically for a user for purposes like KYC, and password resets, and they cannot whitelist them with telcos in advance.

Airtel's AI: India's First Spam Detection Solution

Free dual-layer spam calls and SMS protection for Airtel customers Bharti Airtel unveils India's first network-based spam detection system. This innovation uses a cutting-edge AI algorithm tool to deal with unwanted spam calls and messages. It filters out suspected spam calls and SMS with real-time notifications sent to customers. Furthermore, it's a free tool that works automatically for all Airtel customers. You do not need to approve any service requests or app downloads to avail of this service.

Airtel taps AI to combat India's rampant spam calls problem | TechCrunch

Bharti Airtel, India's second-largest telecom operator, said on Wednesday it's rolling out an AI-powered spam detection solution to all its customers as it vowed to curb the rising spam calls and messages in the world's most populous nation. The company, which counts Google among its backers, announced the launch of what it claims is India's first network-based, AI-powered spam detection system. The feature will alert Airtel's customers in real-time to suspected spam calls and text messages, automatically activating for all users at no additional cost. Airtel has about 387 million wireless subscribers in India. Indians have long been grappling with a relentless barrage of spam. A recent survey by startup LocalCircles found that a staggering 95% of users report receiving unwanted calls daily, with most facing at least three such intrusions. The government's "Do Not Disturb" (DND) registry has proven largely ineffective, with 90% of registered users still plagued by spammers, the survey found. Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and CEO of Bharti Airtel, said the telecom operator spent 12 months building the new spam detection system. "Spam has become a menace for customers," he said. The new system employs a dual-layer protection mechanism, filtering communications at both the network and IT systems layers. Airtel's data scientists developed a proprietary algorithm that analyzes various parameters such as caller usage patterns, call frequency, and duration in real-time, the company said. This AI-powered solution processes a staggering 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls daily - equivalent to 1 trillion records processed in real-time. Airtel's new system has been able to identify 100 million potential spam calls and 3 million spam SMSes originating every day, the company said. Beyond call and message filtering, the AI system also 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, the company said. India's telephonic spam problem extends beyond mere annoyance. There's also a marked rise in Indians reporting calls from scammers impersonating government authorities, delivery services, and credit providers.

Airtel launches new AI feature, check what it is and how it will impact you

Launched on the 25th of September 2024, this new instrument will notify Airtel users about... Airtel announced the launch of India's first artificial intelligence-based spam detection solution, which is a step in the right direction given the rise of spam calls and messages. Launched on the 25th of September 2024, this new instrument will notify Airtel users about potential spam messages in real-time, thus increasing the level of protection without the need for applications or service requests. The company's Managing Director and CEO, Gopal Vittal, noted that spam is an issue that needs to be addressed urgently: "Spam has emerged as a nuisance for customers." We have spent the last twelve months solving this comprehensively." The solution is designed as a dual-layer protection system: one layer functions at the network level and the other at the IT systems level. This makes it possible for the tool to handle 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls per day, which is the same as handling 1 trillion records in real-time. The AI algorithm is self-built by Airtel's data science department, and the following factors are taken into account: Frequency of the call duration of the call patterns of the sender to label the communication as "Suspected SPAM." The system has already detected about 100 million spam call potential calls and 3 million spam SMS potential messages daily. Also, it warns users of the presence of links in the received SMS that lead to a virus by using a database of URLs of viruses. It was launched at a time when service providers are feeling the heat of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) that has directed service providers to restrict such promotional calls. Not only does it help Airtel's customers avoid receiving such messages but also serve as the first company in the telecom sector to counteract spam.

Airtel launches AI-powered spam detection solution in India, stocks trade flat

Bharti Airtel, India's leading telecom provider, unveiled the country's first network-based, AI-powered spam detection solution on September 25, 2024. The system, designed to combat unwanted calls and messages, processes 1 trillion records in real-time, flagging 100 million potential spam calls and 3 million spam SMSes daily. The shares of Bharti Airtel Limited were trading flat at ₹1,756.40 on the NSE today at 11.30 am. The free, auto-activated service employs a dual-layer protection system, incorporating filters at both the network and IT systems levels. Developed in-house, the AI algorithm analyzes various parameters to identify suspected spam, including usage patterns, call frequency, and duration. Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and CEO of Bharti Airtel, emphasized the company's commitment to shielding customers from intrusive communications. The solution also detects malicious links in SMS messages and identifies frequent IMEI changes, a common indicator of fraudulent behavior. This initiative aligns with the Indian government's allocation of 10-digit numbers with the prefix 160 for service and transactional calls from authorized entities. Airtel's move represents a significant step in addressing spam concerns in the telecommunications sector. SHARE Copy linkEmailFacebookTwitterTelegramLinkedInWhatsAppRedditPublished on September 25, 2024

Airtel Launches AI-Powered Tool To Curb Spam Calls

This comes weeks after telcos blacklisted 50 entities and disconnected 2.85 Lakh mobile numbers for spamming users on the directions of TRAI Cracking the whip on unsolicited and pesky calls, telecom giant Bharti Airtel on Wednesday (September 25) announced the launch of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered spam detection tool. The new solution will flag suspected spam calls and messages in real-time to end users. In a statement, the company said that the new offering will be free and will be auto-activated for all Airtel users. "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," said Airtel managing director and CEO Gopal Vittal. Developed in-house, the AI-powered solution leverages its proprietary algorithm to classify calls and messages as "Suspected SPAM". This is done by analysing various parameters such as the caller's usage patterns, call frequency, call duration, among others, on a real-time basis. Thereafter, this data is cross-referenced with known spam patterns, and calls and SMSes are accordingly flagged by the telco. Elaborating on this, Airtel said that the solution has dual filters and operates at two levels - network layer and IT systems layer. In the statement, the telecom operator claimed that the solution will be able to process 150 Cr messages and 250 Cr calls in a span of two milliseconds. "In 2 milliseconds, our solution processes 1.5 Bn messages and 2.5 Bn calls every day. This is equivalent to processing 1 Tn (1 Lakh Cr) records on a real time basis using the power of AI. Our solution has been able to successfully identify 100 Mn potential spam calls and 3 Mn spam SMSes originating every day," added Vittal. Additionally, the company also claims that its AI-powered tool can also alert customers to "malicious" links received via SMS. For this, the telco has built a centralised database of blacklisted URLs, which is leveraged by the AI to cross-check whether a link is suspicious. Airtel added that the solution can also detect anomalies such as frequent IMEI changes to curb the growing menace of spam calls. This comes at a time when Indian authorities have ramped up focus on curbing the growing menace of spam calls. Earlier this week, telcos blacklisted 50 entities and disconnected 2.85 Lakh mobile numbers for spamming users on the directions of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

Airtel launches India's first AI powered real-time 'fraud detection' tool: What it is and how it works - Times of India

Airtel has rolled out a new AI-powered network solution for its users that will alert them about spam calls and messages in realt-time. The telco, as of June 2024 has over 300 million subscribers across the country. Developed in-house by Airtel's data scientists, the company says that the AI-powered solution is capable of processing 1 trillion records on a real time basis.It can flag 100 million spam calls and 3 million SMSes every day, Airtel said in a statement. How does it work Airtel's AI-powered solution uses a proprietary algorithm to identify and classify calls and SMSes as "Suspected SPAM". 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. The solution is free of cost and will get auto-activated for all Airtel customers without them having to raise a service request or download an app. In addition, the tool will also alert customers about malicious links received via SMS. For this, the telco says that it has built a centralised 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. Service and transactional calls to have 160 prefix Recently, the Government of India allocated 10-digit numbers with the prefix 160 to for service and transactional calls. Customers can expect to receive calls from these 160-prefix series assigned to Banks, Mutual Funds, Insurance Companies, Stockbrokers, other financial institutions, Corporates, Enterprises, SMEs, big and small businesses used for making transactional and service calls. Those who have not opted for Do-not-disturb (DND) and have subscribed to receiving promotional calls will continue to receive them from a 10-digit number with the prefix 140. The TOI Tech Desk is a dedicated team of journalists committed to delivering the latest and most relevant news from the world of technology to readers of The Times of India. TOI Tech Desk's news coverage spans a wide spectrum across gadget launches, gadget reviews, trends, in-depth analysis, exclusive reports and breaking stories that impact technology and the digital universe. Be it how-tos or the latest happenings in AI, cybersecurity, personal gadgets, platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and more; TOI Tech Desk brings the news with accuracy and authenticity.