Athira Sethu
Kochi, 25 September 2024
Bharti Airtel launched India’s first AI-driven spam detection system for reducing spam calls and messages. The innovative tool alerts users in real-time about potential spam that does not even need any action from the user. It employs dual-layer protection, and its system processes billions of calls and messages every day, enhancing security for Airtel customers.
The new solution, launched today, hopes to curb the rising menace of spam calls and messages. It comes free of charge, with no need for Airtel service requests and no downloading of an app, as it is automatically activated for all Airtel customers. Bharti Airtel CEO said, “Spam has become a serious issue for customers. We’ve worked hard over the last year to solve it. This is a huge leap as we introduce the first AI-driven spam protection in the country, keeping our customers secure from unwanted messages and calls.”
It has two layers of filters, one at the network level, and another at the IT level. Every incoming call and message passes through this AI shield. This processes approximately 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls in real time in about 2 milliseconds and manages around 1 trillion records. According to Vittal, the system categorically identifies about 100 million spam calls and 3 million spam messages every day. In this regard, the system reflects Airtel’s commitment to user security.
This AI solution was developed in-house by Airtel’s data scientists who use a sophisticated algorithm to classify calls and messages as ‘Suspected SPAM.’ A deep look at various parameters, including the behavior of the caller and frequency of messages, helps those detections come across exactly. The system also warns users of malicious links in SMS messages.
Airtel keeps track of blacklisted URLs and scans every SMS in real time to protect its users from harmful content. These activities, such as frequent changes in device IDs, are further detected as odd by the system and can indicate fraud behavior. These features help Airtel provide its customers with an added layer of security for a better communication experience.
