Spams

Bharti Airtel will deploy its AI-enabled spam protection tool on text messages sent via Google's messaging platform to protect its customers from potential digital fraud, as part of the collaboration between the two firms, the telecom operator said on Sunday. Following the partnership, Bharti Airtel has called out other internet-based apps to work with it to fight against spam messages. "By combining Airtel's network intelligence with Google's Rich Communications Services (RCS) platform and spam filtering, users get to experience RCS messaging with high-quality photo/video and interactive elements like message reactions, all while benefiting from enhanced protections that significantly reduce mobile spam and digital fraud," the statement said. Airtel claims to have blocked a staggering 7,100 crore spam calls and 290 crore spam SMSes that has led to a huge 68.7 per cent decrease in the value of financial losses on its network through its AI enabled tools in the last 1.5 years. Sever

Over half of users say they receive 1-3 spam messages on WhatsApp every day, while 30 per cent get 4-7 such messages and 11 per cent report getting eight or more unwanted messages daily

Facing political heat and tech giant resistance, DoT reverses app mandate; cybersecurity solution needs broader stakeholder consultation

The government mandated all manufacturers to ensure that the government's Sanchar Saathi mobile application is pre-installed on all mobile handsets manufactured or imported for use in India

Trai has ordered BFSI firms to move service and transaction calls to the 1600 series from 2026 to reduce spam, financial fraud, and rising digital-arrest scams

The feature is being introduced to help curb spam, fraud, and scam calls, as well as reduce incidents of impersonation where callers pretend to represent other people or organisations

Apple to roll out iOS 26 with call screening, hold assist, and smarter SMS filters to reduce spam and improve phone and messaging experiences on iPhones by year-end

Platform allows users to flag potential cyber fraud and helps authorities take action against cybercriminals

Google introduces a "Manage Subscriptions" feature in Gmail, letting users easily view and unsubscribe from promotional emails in one centralised place

iOS 26 will introduce a spam filtering feature in iMessage to detect and silence unwanted texts, organising them into a separate section and keeping the main inbox clutter-free

Bharti Airtel seeks a joint database of fraudulent financial domains and proposes awareness campaigns to strengthen India's fight against digital scams and fraudsters

Bharti Airtel's AI-powered platform will block scam websites in real time across digital channels, offering automatic protection to mobile and broadband users

To reduce unwanted messages and spam, the Unsubscribe option will help users report spam senders and maintain a cleaner inbox

In the past, Trai had come up with many regulations to curb unsolicited calls and messages but they have largely remained ineffective

Say tougher telemarketers, OTT communication platforms need to be regulated

Cyberattacks on managed service providers (MSPs) also saw an increase, with phishing being the most commonly used method to infiltrate such networks

The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has prohibited a finance company from repeatedly harassing a Kochi resident with unsolicited loan offers over the phone. Nithin Ramakrishnan, a resident of Panampilly Nagar in Kochi, filed a complaint with the panel after enduring continuous and intrusive calls from Bajaj Finserv that disrupted his peace of mind. According to the petitioner, despite numerous requests to stop, Bajaj Finserv and its subsidiaries continued making unsolicited calls, causing significant inconvenience. Even after the complaint was filed on March 14, 2023, the company persisted, calling him three to four times daily from different numbers, particularly during work hours. The complainant argued that such actions infringed on his right to privacy and a peaceful life. Despite assurances to include his number on their Do Not Disturb (DND) list, the company failed to address the issue and continued its intrusive behaviour. The Commission found that

90% of businesses accounting for the majority of commercial traffic have registered, telcos say

Trai's new message traceability norms go live from Dec 11 and aim to protect users by ensuring OTPs and essential messages are delivered seamlessly, while tackling spam and fraudulent communication

Up to 6 per cent of all calls, 2 per cent of SMS noted as spam on the Airtel network