Due to rising cyber fraud and telecom scams in India, Airtel has again reached out to Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea (Vi) to join forces.
Airtel wants all telecom providers to start a joint fraud protection program that can detect and block scams immediately using real-time intelligence sharing and coordination across networks.
The company has also informed the Ministry of Telecommunications and TRAI about this.
Rising Cyber Fraud Prompts Joint Fraud Protection Proposal
According to a PTI report (via TOI), Airtel has sent a letter to TRAI proposing this partnership. The company aims to build a strong and secure system to reduce telecom fraud.
In a separate letter, Airtel shared data showing that in the first nine months of 2024, over 17 lakh cybercrime complaints were filed nationwide, resulting in losses exceeding ₹11,000 crore.
Airtel clearly stated that if the industry doesn’t unite, protecting ordinary users from scammers will become much harder.
Airtel’s AI System Blocks Scam Links on Social Platforms
Airtel already uses an AI-based system to block scam links on social and OTT platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and Instagram.
However, the company says scammers have become smarter, using phishing links and fake websites.
Renewed Call for “Joint Telecom Fraud Initiative” by Airtel
The report mentions that on May 14, 2025, Airtel sent another proposal to other telecom companies, urging them to launch a “Joint Telecom Fraud Initiative.”
This would allow all networks to track fraud together and provide users with the same security protection.
Previous Efforts to Standardize Spam Call Blocking
This isn’t Airtel’s first attempt at collaboration. In October 2024, Airtel asked all telecom companies to share corporate connection data used for commercial calls in a standard format to block spam calls before they reach users.
It also suggested creating a central platform similar to DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology).
Airtel MD Gopal Vittal to Inform Customers About Scam Protection
According to the report, Airtel’s Vice Chairman and MD, Gopal Vittal, will soon send a personal email to customers.
He will explain how scam methods are changing and inform them about Airtel’s protection measures.
Vittal said scammers now target users not only via calls and SMS but also through chat, email, social media, and apps.
