Airtel Africa launches AI-powered Spam Alert to combat fraudulent messages

LAGOS: Airtel Africa has introduced a pioneering Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered Spam Alert Service in Nigeria, aiming to protect mobile users from fraudulent and unsolicited messages.

The service, which is available at no cost to subscribers, was launched yesterday in Lagos and will soon be rolled out across other African countries where Airtel operates.

The innovative solution automatically alerts Airtel smartphone and feature phone customers about suspected spam SMS messages in real time, without requiring any additional application downloads.

It utilizes AI technology to analyze more than 250 parameters, including sender behavior and message patterns, to detect and classify suspicious SMS as “Suspected SPAM.”

The system processes over 1.5 billion messages in just two milliseconds through a dual-layer protection mechanism operating at both the network and IT systems levels.

Additionally, the AI-powered service helps prevent mobile users from falling victim to phishing scams by detecting and flagging malicious weblinks in SMS messages. A centralized database of blacklisted URLs enables real-time scanning, warning customers against potentially harmful links that could compromise their security.

Speaking at the launch, Airtel Nigeria’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, highlighted the company’s commitment to enhancing customer security through cutting-edge solutions.

“Enhancing customer experience is our foremost priority, and we are proud to launch Africa’s first AI-powered spam alert solution. This is a gamechanger for the telecom industry in Africa, and as we move forward, we will continue to address customer challenges through proactive tech-driven solutions,” he said.

Nigeria’s Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, lauded Airtel for investing in a service that strengthens online security for Nigerians.

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“As we expand our digital infrastructure and prioritize digital literacy, solutions like Airtel AI Spam Alert Service will reinforce the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence, not only for security but also for economic empowerment,” he stated.

Also present at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, emphasized the importance of such innovations in boosting consumer confidence.

“Security remains a major concern for mobile users, and this initiative from Airtel will help curb fraudulent activities while ensuring a safer digital environment,” he noted.

The launch comes in response to the rising threat of spam messages across Africa, where nine of the world’s top 20 countries with the highest spam rates are located, according to research from Quartz.

As smartphone penetration increases, fraudsters have intensified their schemes, often impersonating network providers or government agencies to deceive unsuspecting individuals.