Airtel has introduced a new advanced fraud detection system in India that promises to tackle the spam issue faced on messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. The operator claims the new tool actively identifies and blocks access to harmful websites and malicious domains in real-time. This is the latest AI-powered tech from the company in addition to the spam call and SMS detection offered for its users.

Airtel says the new system includes over-the-top (OTT) streaming apps, email clients, web browsers, social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, messaging services like WhatsApp and Telegram, and even traditional SMS channels.

By continuously analysing internet activity, the system identifies fraudulent domains and immediately prevents users from landing on potentially dangerous websites.

Airtel has built this platform with a multi-layered intelligence architecture that not only filters suspicious domains but also utilises a combination of real-time threat intelligence from global databases and Airtel’s own repository of known cyber threat actors.

The moment a user attempts to visit a flagged or unsafe link, the system stops the site from loading and reroutes the user to a warning page that explains the reason behind the restriction.

This newly introduced protection service will be automatically enabled for all Airtel customers, both mobile and broadband, without any extra charge. The rollout began in Airtel’s Haryana telecom circle and the company has plans in place to expand the service to other regions across India in the near future.

This development comes as part of Airtel’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure. It follows the introduction of another initiative earlier this year. In April, Airtel launched spam alerts for incoming calls and SMS messages at no cost.

The spam detection capability was recently upgraded to include monitoring of international numbers and sources, further enhancing user protection from unwanted and potentially harmful communications.