Airtel Kenya Unveils AI-Powered Spam Alert Service to Combat Rising SMS Scams

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NAIROBI, 7 May 2025 — Airtel Networks Kenya Limited has today launched a pioneering Artificial Intelligence-powered Spam Alert Service aimed at protecting customers from the growing menace of fraudulent and unsolicited SMS messages.

The service, which is the first of its kind in the Kenyan telecommunications market, will be automatically activated for all Airtel subscribers at no additional cost. It works across both smartphones and feature phones without requiring any downloads or user setup.

Spam messages, often sent by scammers and fraudsters, are a rising concern in Kenya’s rapidly expanding mobile market. These messages frequently contain deceptive links or requests for personal information, leading to data theft, malware infections, and financial fraud. Promotional SMS campaigns, while less dangerous, are also a common source of irritation for users.

To tackle these issues, Airtel’s new AI-driven system detects and flags suspicious SMS messages by classifying them as "Suspected SPAM." The AI analyses over 250 parameters, including the sender’s message frequency and geographical spread, to assess risk—without reading the actual content of the messages. It operates through a dual-layer protection system at both the network and IT infrastructure levels, capable of scanning over 18 million messages at a processing speed of two milliseconds per message.

In addition to spam classification, the service also protects users from malicious web links by maintaining a real-time, centralized database of blacklisted URLs. If a suspicious link is detected in an SMS, customers receive a warning before they can engage with it.

“This is a game changer for mobile security in Kenya,” said Airtel Kenya Managing Director Ashish Malhotra during the launch event in Nairobi. “The AI spam alert service reaffirms our commitment to innovation and customer protection. It empowers our users to stay alert and avoid falling victim to mobile scams, while also enhancing their overall user experience.”

To report fraud-related incidents, Airtel customers can dial *100# and select option 3, "Report Fraud."

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