Airtel Africa introduces AI-powered spam alert to tackle fraudulent messages
What you need to know:
- 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.
Lagos. Airtel Africa has unveiled an innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven Spam Alert Service in Nigeria, aimed at safeguarding mobile users from deceptive and unsolicited messages.
The newly launched service, which is free for subscribers, was introduced in Lagos and is set to be expanded to other African nations where Airtel operates.
This advanced solution proactively notifies both smartphone and feature phone users about potentially fraudulent SMS messages in real time, eliminating the need for additional app installations.
By leveraging AI, the system examines over 250 parameters—including sender activity and messaging patterns—to identify and categorize suspicious texts as “Suspected SPAM.”
With the capability to process over 1.5 billion messages within milliseconds, the dual-layered protection mechanism operates across both Airtel’s network and IT infrastructure to enhance security.
Beyond detecting spam, the service plays a crucial role in protecting users from phishing scams by identifying and flagging malicious links embedded within SMS messages. A constantly updated blacklist of harmful URLs enables instant scanning, alerting users to potential threats before they engage with unsafe content.
During the launch, Airtel Nigeria’s Managing Director and CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, emphasized the company’s dedication to customer security through technological advancements.
“Our top priority is delivering an enhanced user experience, and the introduction of Africa’s first AI-powered spam alert service is a significant step forward. This marks a transformative moment for the telecom industry across the continent, and we will continue leveraging technology to address emerging consumer challenges,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Minister for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, commended Airtel for investing in digital security solutions that enhance online safety for Nigerian users.
“As we expand digital connectivity and emphasize digital literacy, solutions like Airtel’s AI Spam Alert Service demonstrate the vital role artificial intelligence plays—not only in security but also in driving economic growth,” he remarked.
Similarly, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, acknowledged the significance of such initiatives in fostering consumer trust.
“Ensuring a secure mobile environment is paramount, and Airtel’s initiative will help mitigate fraudulent activities while enhancing digital safety,” he noted.
The launch comes in response to the escalating issue of spam messages across Africa. Research by Quartz highlights that nine out of the twenty most affected countries by spam messages worldwide are in Africa, underscoring the urgency of proactive measures.
With smartphone adoption increasing rapidly, scammers continue to exploit digital platforms by masquerading as network operators or government entities to deceive users. Airtel Africa’s AI-powered spam detection service represents a strategic intervention to counteract this growing threat.
