Bharti Airtel has launched India’s first network-based spam detection method. This new spam detection uses AI to keep the problem of spam calls and messages at bay for its customers. As a pioneering solution from a telecom provider in the country, this tool will notify customers in real-time about suspicious spam calls and SMS, providing better protection against unwanted communications. This solution is free and will be activated automatically for all Airtel customers without any service request or app download.

Gopal Vittal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bharti Airtel said, “Spam has become a threat to customers. We have spent the last twelve months comprehensively addressing it. Today is a milestone as we launch the country’s first AI-powered spam-free network that will protect our customers from the constant onslaught of intrusive and unwanted communications”.

How does this work?

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”. “Designed as a dual-layered security, the solution has two filters – one at the network layer and the other at the IT system 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,” Vittal explained.

The network uses state-of-the-art AI algorithms to analyze various real-time factors such as caller or sender usage patterns, call/SMS frequency, call duration and other parameters. This enables the system to process and evaluate communication behavior dynamically and efficiently. By cross-referencing this information against known spam patterns, the system accurately flags suspicious spam calls and SMS.

Additionally, the solution also alerts customers about malicious links received via SMS. For this, Airtel has created a centralized database of blacklisted URLs and every SMS is scanned by state-of-the-art AI algorithms in real-time to caution users against accidentally clicking on suspicious links. The solution can also detect anomalies such as frequent IMEI changes – a typical indicator of fraudulent behavior. By implementing these protective measures, the company is ensuring that its customers get the maximum level of protection against the evolving landscape of spam and fraud threats.

According to the CEO, the solution is capable of successfully identifying 100 million potential spam calls and 3 million spam SMSes received daily.