Telecommunications giant, Airtel Nigeria, said its newly launched solution, the Airtel Spam Alert Service, was designed to shield its subscribers from fraudulent and spam SMS.
The company stated that the service was developed as part of its ongoing commitment to user safety and digital security.
In a statement on Thursday, Airtel emphasised the growing threat posed by telecom-related scams and how its latest innovation aims to combat the menace head-on.
“The Spam Alert Service is a proactive solution created to protect our customers. It is built with intelligent filters that automatically detect and block suspicious SMS before they reach the end user,” the company said.
According to Airtel, the service will notify users in real-time when a suspected spam or phishing attempt is detected. It will also flag known scam numbers, allowing subscribers to make informed decisions about who they engage with.
“The app leverages a robust AI algorithm that analyzes over 250 parameters.
“These parameters include sender behavior, message frequency, message geographical distribution, and unusual activity patterns.
“Impressively, the service completes this process in under two milliseconds, offering near-instantaneous alerts while maintaining the privacy of user data by not reading message content.
“We understand how sophisticated digital fraudsters have become.
“That’s why we have invested in an AI-powered system that scans communication patterns and flags anything that seems suspicious,” the company added.
In his comments, Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, stated: “Nigeria is not just a critical market for us—it’s a leader in digital adoption within the continent. Our AI Spam Alert Service reflects our dedication to safeguarding our customers from the growing threat of SMS fraud.
“As the first of its kind in Africa, it addresses a fundamental issue of trust and security, which is paramount to our digital ecosystem.
“We’re proud to offer this service to Nigerians and extend it across our African footprint.
“The AI Spam Alert Service not only protects users but also sets a new benchmark for mobile security standards in the region.
“Our goal is to build a safer digital environment for our users.
“This innovation is part of our broader strategy to incorporate advanced technologies that address real challenges while enhancing the overall customer experience.”
Following its successful deployment in Nigeria, the Spam Alert Service has now launched in Tanzania and Kenya and is set to cover Airtel’s entire African operations.
The service’s automatic activation for all Airtel customers—across both smartphones and feature phones—ensures maximum reach and accessibility.
Early feedback from subscribers has been overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the AI’s efficiency in flagging potentially harmful messages without interfering with their everyday communication.
By pioneering this AI-based spam detection technology, Airtel Africa demonstrates its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge innovation to resolve critical issues facing its subscribers.
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