Airtel, BSNL put up AI shield against spam calls, texts surge
Times of India | 24 October 2024
Kolkata: The total number of spam calls originating in Bengal per month could potentially surpass 50 crore, while the volume of spam texts might exceed three crore, said telecom sources. Sources also indicated that the cumulative number of spam calls and messages is escalating.
On a national scale, the count of spam calls per month surpasses 1,000 crore — taking India to no.4 globally in terms of spam calls.
According to RBI figures in 2023, the total sum implicated in bank fraud exceeded Rs 2.4 lakh crore, and a substantial portion of this could be attributed to digital fraud perpetrated through spam calls and messages.
To battle this, telecom operators such as Bharti Airtel and BSNL have arranged for AI-powered spam detection systems for their clientele, while others have deployed specialised teams to combat this menace.
Ayan Sarkar, CEO, Bengal and Odisha at Bharti Airtel, said that the novel AI-powered spam detection system had provided much-needed respite to customers.
In the 28 days since its inception, it has identified 154 million (15.4 crore) potential spam calls and 8 million (80 lakh) spam messages in Bengal.
“All Airtel mobile customers in Bengal now have automatic access to the complimentary solution without needing to request service or download an application,” he appended.
Speaking of its spam detection system, a BSNL official said: “It will immensely benefit customers.”