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Airtel launches AI-powered spam alert service to combat SMS fraud in Nigeria

March 17, 2025

Airtel launches AI-powered spam alert service to combat SMS fraud in Nigeria, aiming to protect subscribers from the growing menace of spam messages and SMS fraud.

This innovative service is automatically activated for all Airtel customers, requiring no additional application downloads, and is available to both smartphone and feature phone users.

The AI system operates by analysing over 250 parameters in real-time, including the sender’s usage patterns, such as SMS frequency and the geographical spread of targets.

Suspicious messages are classified as “Suspected SPAM,” alerting users without compromising their privacy, as the AI does not read the content of specific SMS messages.

Additionally, the system maintains a centralised database of blocked URLs to warn customers against malicious web links received via SMS.

Dinesh Balsingh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, expressed pride in launching Africa’s first AI-powered spam alert solution, describing it as a game-changer for the continent’s telecom industry.

He emphasised Airtel’s commitment to addressing customer challenges through proactive, tech-driven solutions. The introduction of this service underscores a broader trend of integrating AI into telecommunications to enhance consumer protection and combat fraud.

AI and machine learning algorithms can detect anomalies in real time, effectively reducing fraudulent activities such as unauthorised network access and fake profiles. By automating the detection of unusual patterns, AI enables telecom companies to respond swiftly to emerging threats, thereby minimising potential damage.

In Nigeria, the prevalence of spam messages and SMS fraud has been a significant concern, leading to financial losses and eroding consumer trust in digital communications.

By deploying AI-driven solutions like Airtel’s spam alert service, telecom operators can enhance their fraud detection capabilities, protect their revenue streams, and improve customer satisfaction.

This move not only safeguards consumers but also strengthens the integrity of the telecommunications industry in the region.

The service will roll out across other countries where Airtel operates in the coming months, marking a significant step towards leveraging advanced technology to improve user experience and security in Africa’s telecommunications sector.

As AI continues to evolve, its application in fraud prevention is expected to become more sophisticated, offering telecom companies robust tools to combat increasingly complex fraudulent activities.

Other telecom operators across Africa are also taking steps to combat fraud in the sector. In South Africa, Cell C, MTN, and Telkom have joined the GSMA’s Open Gateway programme to tackle fraud and identity theft.

The proactive adoption of such technologies is crucial for staying ahead of fraudsters and ensuring the security and trustworthiness of telecommunications services across the continent.

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