Airtel has introduced India’s first AI powered Spam detection solution

Bharti Airtel has launched India’s first AI powered spam detection solution, designed to combat spam calls and messages effectively. This innovative tool offers real-time alerts and is automatically activated for all users at no cost.

In a groundbreaking initiative, Bharti Airtel has introduced India’s first AI-powered spam detection solution, aimed at tackling the growing menace of spam calls and messages that plague mobile users across the country. This innovative tool promises to enhance user experience by providing real-time alerts for suspected spam communications, thereby protecting customers from unwanted intrusions.

AI Powered Spam Detection Solution

Launched on September 25, 2024, Airtel’s spam detection solution is a first-of-its-kind offering from a telecom service provider in India. The solution operates without requiring users to download any apps or raise service requests; it is automatically activated for all Airtel customers at no additional cost.

Key Features

• Real-time Alerts: The system alerts users instantly about suspected spam calls and SMS messages.
• Dual-Layer Protection: The solution employs a dual-layered approach, processing calls and messages through both network and IT systems layers. This ensures a comprehensive evaluation of communications.
• High Processing Capacity: Airtel’s AI solution can process approximately 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls daily, equivalent to analyzing 1 trillion records in real time.
• Comprehensive Spam Identification: The system successfully identifies around 100 million potential spam calls and 3 million spam SMS messages every day.

How It Works

The technology behind Airtel’s spam detection solution is developed in-house by its team of data scientists. It uses a proprietary algorithm that analyzes various parameters including:

• Caller or sender usage patterns
• Call/SMS frequency
• Call duration
• Known spam patterns

By cross-referencing these metrics, the AI system accurately flags suspected spam communications. Additionally, it scans SMS messages for malicious links using a centralized database of blacklisted URLs, alerting users to potential threats before they can click on them.

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Anomaly Detection

The system also detects anomalies such as frequent changes in IMEI numbers, which may indicate fraudulent behavior. This multi-faceted approach ensures that customers receive robust protection against evolving spam tactics.

Regulatory Context

The introduction of this solution comes at a time when the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has mandated stricter regulations on promotional calls from unregistered senders. Airtel’s initiative aligns with these regulatory efforts to reduce unsolicited communications and enhance consumer protection in the telecom sector4.

Airtel’s AI algorithm is used to identify spam calls

Airtel’s AI-powered spam detection solution employs a sophisticated algorithm that analyzes 250 different parameters to identify spam calls and SMS messages. Here are the specific parameters utilized in this innovative system:

Key Parameters for Spam Detection

1. Usage Patterns: The algorithm examines the caller or sender’s historical usage patterns to identify any anomalies that may indicate spam behavior.
2. Call/SMS Frequency: It tracks how often a number makes calls or sends messages, as high frequency can be a sign of spam activity.
3. Call Duration: Short-duration calls are often associated with spam, so the system monitors the length of calls.
4. Velocity and Volume of Calls: The speed at which calls are made and the total number of calls from a particular number are analyzed.
5. Frequency of Device Changes: Frequent changes in the device associated with a number can signal suspicious activity.Geographical Spread: The locations from which calls are made are evaluated to determine if they align with known spam patterns.
6. Number of Short-Duration Calls: A high number of brief calls may indicate robocalling or spam tactics.
7. Time on Network: The duration a number has been active on the network can provide insights into its legitimacy.
8. KYC Registration: The number of names associated with the same Know Your Customer (KYC) registration can indicate potential fraudulent behavior.
9. Robocalling Devices: Identifying devices commonly used for automated calling helps flag potential spam sources.
10. Anomalies in IMEI Changes: Frequent changes in the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number can suggest fraudulent activity.
11. DND Complaints: Tracking complaints related to Do Not Disturb (DND) violations helps refine spam detection.
12. Incoming and Outgoing Call Trends: Analyzing patterns in call traffic can reveal unusual behavior indicative of spam.
13. SIM Card Changes: Monitoring how often a SIM card is changed can provide clues about potential fraud.
14. Blacklisted URLs: SMS messages containing links are scanned against a centralized database of known malicious URLs to prevent phishing attacks.

By leveraging these parameters, Airtel’s AI solution processes approximately 1.5 billion messages and 2.5 billion calls daily, achieving a remarkable accuracy rate of 97% for spam calls and 99.5% for spam SMS messages. This dual-layered approach not only enhances detection capabilities but also ensures that users receive timely alerts about potential threats without compromising their privacy, as the content of messages is not analyzed.

Conclusion

Bharti Airtel’s launch of India’s first AI-powered spam detection solution marks a significant milestone in the fight against spam calls and messages. By leveraging advanced artificial intelligence technologies, Airtel aims to provide its customers with a safer and more enjoyable communication experience. As this tool becomes integrated into everyday mobile use, it could potentially set a new standard for telecommunications in India.

With ongoing advancements in technology and regulatory support, consumers can look forward to a future with fewer interruptions from unwanted communications, making their mobile experience more secure and reliable.