Vodafone Idea Unveils AI-Powered 'Vi Protect' to Combat Spam and Cyber Threats

Vodafone Idea (Vi) Launches Vi Protect to Tackle Cyber Frauds at IMC 2025

It aims to protect users from spam calls, messages and phishing links Vodafone Idea (Vi) on Wednesday launched Vi Protect; an AI-powered initiative aimed at enhancing safety and security against spam and cyber threats. Announced at India Mobile Congress 2025 (IMC 2025), the initiative includes two key measures, an AI-based Voice Spam Detection System and an AI-driven Cyber Defense and Incident Response System. While the spam detection setup identifies and flags fraudulent calls in real time, the network defence system helps safeguard Vi's network and enterprise operations from potential cyberattacks. The Vi Protect programme is designed for consumer, network, and enterprise users to offer protection against spam, scams, and cyber-attacks under one umbrella. As part of this initiative, Vi has launched two initiatives: Voice Spam Detection system and AI-driven network defence and incident response system. How Vi's Voice Spam Detection System Works Vi's Voice Spam Detection System is claimed to identify and flag spam and fraudulent calls in real time using AI models, web crawlers, and customer feedback. When a suspicious number tries to contact a Vi user, the call screen will display a 'Suspected Spam' alert, letting users make informed decisions before answering. Unlike third-party caller ID apps, this feature is built directly into Vi's network. The Vi Protect programme includes a Voice Spam Detection system for detecting and flagging fraudulent text messages. It also offers an International Calling Display feature that allow users to easily recognise genuine international calls. Further, the AI-powered Threat Analysis, integrated with Vi's DNS, SMS, and Voice Gateways, analyse threat patterns. Vi Cyber Defense and Incident Response System Under the Vi Protect initiative, Vi has introduced an AI-powered Cyber Defense and Incident Response System to safeguard its core network and enterprise operations. The system leverages agentic and generative AI models, claimed to detect, analyse, and neutralise cyber threats in under an hour. Vi says the system is designed to reduce false positives. The multi-layered defence mechanism follows a five-step process. This includes Anomaly Detection, Contextualisation and Categorisation, Interface Engine Agent, Suggestive Intelligence, and Human Validation. Vi also confirmed plans to extend this advanced protection to its enterprise clients soon. Vi claims its security systems have flagged over 600 million spam and scam calls and messages. The company is set to introduce real-time URL Protection feature soon to scan and block suspicious links to prevent phishing attempts and malware infections.

Vodafone Idea Unveils Vi Protect AI at IMC 2025

The telco is showcasing this solution at the IMC (India Mobile Congress) 2025. Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL), the third-largest telecom operator in the country, has unveiled Vi Protect. This is an AI (artificial intelligence) powered safety system for customers and enterprises. The telco is showcasing this solution at the IMC (India Mobile Congress) 2025. Vi Protect is an AI based voice spam detection system, similar to what Airtel and Jio have implemented for their customers. It is not a third-party caller ID app, in fact, it works on top of the network layer. So users don't have to download anything extra. They will get spam alerts from Vi directly on the calls in real time. The logs will also likely show spam alert. Read More - Telecom Minister: Voice Calls Were Once a Luxury in India Vodafone Idea said, "When a potentially fraudulent number calls a Vi customer, the phone screen will display 'Suspected Spam', thereby helping customers decide whether to answer the call. Unlike third-party caller ID apps, this feature works natively within Vi's network, ensuring better accuracy, and enhanced privacy." Then there's also an AI powered Cyber Defense and Incident Response System. This will help the telco in helping its core network and enterprise operations. This will allow Vi to analyse and detect potential cyber threats in under an hour. The system, according to the telco, gives 70% accurate results and minimises false positives. It follows a five step defense mechanism. Read More - Airtel is the Only Market Share Gainer in Last Year Since Tariff Hikes Jagbir Sing, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Vodafone Idea said, "With India's growing digital adoption and global prominence, protecting customers networks has never been more important. Vi Protect uses advanced AI and proactive measures to protect our customers and strengthen our networks. Vi Protect is our commitment to a safe and trusted digital environment." Vi said that it will also bring AI powered security for its enteprise customers very soon.

Vi Protect uses AI to counter spam and cyber threats

Vi has announced the launch of Vi Protect, a new comprehensive initiative powered by artificial intelligence (AI) aimed at unifying its safety and security measures. The program is designed to protect consumers, the company's network, and enterprise clients from spam, scams, and cyber-attacks. At the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, Vi introduced two key components of this initiative: an AI-based Voice Spam Detection system for consumers and an AI-driven network defense and incident response system for its core network operations. The voice spam detection system is designed to identify and flag fraudulent and spam calls in real time. It uses AI models, web crawlers, and user feedback to identify suspicious callers before the call reaches the customer. When a Vi user receives a call from a number flagged as potentially fraudulent, their phone screen will display a 'Suspected Spam' notification, helping them decide whether to answer. According to Vi, this feature operates natively within its network, which differs from third-party caller ID apps and aims to provide better accuracy and privacy. This new system joins several existing consumer protection measures now consolidated under the Vi Protect banner: Vi states that its security systems have flagged over 600 million spam and scam communications to date. The company also plans to launch a real-time URL Protection feature soon, which will scan and block suspicious links to prevent phishing and malware attacks. As part of Vi Protect, the company has also upgraded its Cyber Defense and Incident Response System to safeguard its core network and enterprise functions. This system uses agentic and generative AI models to detect, analyze, and neutralize potential cyber threats in under an hour. Vi claims the system is approximately 70% more accurate than previous methods and minimizes false positives. The defense mechanism follows a five-step process: Vi intends to extend this cyber defense capability to its enterprise customers in the future, offering predictive insights by correlating global cyber events and attack timelines. The company positioned the Vi Protect initiative as a step towards enhancing cyber resilience and customer trust. Regarding Vi Protect, Jagbir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Vi, said:

IMC 2025: Vodafone Idea launches AI-powered Vi Protect to tackle spam calls, messages

Vi claims it has already intercepted over 600 million spam and scam attempts. Vodafone Idea (Vi) has unveiled Vi Protect, an AI-powered feature to tackle spam, scams, and cyber threats across its network. Announced at the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025, the initiative introduces two key systems, an AI-based Voice Spam Detection System and an AI-driven Cyber Defence and Incident Response System, designed to protect both individual users and enterprise clients. The Vi Protect programme brings together multiple layers of protection under one umbrella, focusing on consumer, network, and enterprise security. Vi says the move is part of its broader strategy to make digital communication safer and more reliable for its growing user base. Vi's Voice Spam Detection System uses a combination of AI models, web crawlers, and customer feedback to identify spam or fraudulent calls in real time. When a suspicious number attempts to call a Vi user, the system triggers a "Suspected Spam" alert on the call screen, helping users avoid potential scams. Unlike third-party caller ID apps, this feature is integrated directly into Vi's network for more reliable detection. Beyond voice calls, the system also flags fraudulent text messages and includes an International Calling Display to help users distinguish genuine international numbers from spoofed ones. The AI engine analyses threat patterns by integrating with Vi's DNS, SMS, and Voice Gateways, providing a comprehensive threat intelligence layer. The second component of Vi Protect is the Cyber Defence and Incident Response System, which leverages agentic and generative AI to detect, analyse, and neutralise threats within an hour. The system employs a five-step process, anomaly detection, contextualisation, categorisation, interface engine analysis, suggestive intelligence, and human validation, to deliver quick, precise responses while minimising false positives. Also read: Samsung Galaxy S25 price drops by Rs 19,100 on Amazon during Diwali sale Vi claims its systems have already intercepted over 600 million spam and scam calls and messages. The telecom operator also plans to introduce a real-time URL Protection feature that scans and blocks malicious links to prevent phishing and malware attacks