Google and Bharti Airtel (Indian telecommunications group) have just announced a partnership to deploy an artificial intelligence (AI)-based spam filter and an identity verification mechanism for RCS conversations in the Google Messages app on Android.
This move took place on the same day as the mandatory SIM-binding regulation for OTT messaging applications of the Indian Ministry of Telecommunications (DoT) officially took effect.
According to an announcement on March 1st, Google's RCS platform will integrate spam and fraud detection tools developed by Airtel to respond to the increasing wave of online scams targeting mobile subscribers in India.
AI filters will analyze messaging behavior, identify abnormal signs and warn users when risks are detected.
A noteworthy point is that the RCS system will take advantage of Airtel's business identity verification mechanism.
This network operator originally took steps to check organizational information before allowing commercial messaging. Thanks to that, the messaging platform can clearly identify senders, limiting the situation of impersonating brands to defraud.
In addition, the platform will also respect the user's "Don't disturb" (DND) option by classifying advertising messages and transaction messages, thereby applying corresponding limits.
If both Google's AI system and Airtel assess an account as suspicious, the number of messages that the account is allowed to send will be limited.
According to Airtel, the airline's previous spam measures have blocked 71 billion spam calls and 2.9 billion spam SMS messages on the domestic network, contributing to a 68.7% reduction in financial damage caused by fraud to users.
Mr. Gopal Vittal, Executive Vice President of Airtel, said that cooperation with Google is an initiative to expand customer protection beyond traditional telecommunications infrastructure, towards OTT media platforms.
He called on online messaging platforms to participate in coordination to enhance user safety.
On Google's side, Mr. Sameer Samat, Chairman of the Android Ecosystem, affirmed that the company is committed to working with carriers to standardize messaging security and create a consistent and reliable RCS experience globally.
This agreement was announced in the context of DoT applying new regulations when users of applications such as WhatsApp, Signal and Telegram must have a SIM that has registered for the service on their phone to access.
Accompanying web versions, such as WhatsApp Web, will also automatically log out every six hours if the SIM is not working.
What is RCS?
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the standard open messaging generation designed to replace traditional SMS and MMS.
This technology allows sending high-quality photos and videos, displaying read status, supporting group chats and activities via Wi-Fi or mobile data.
In other words, RCS turns the default messaging application on Android phones into a much more functional platform than SMS/MMS, while still maintaining wide compatibility between carriers.
