Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced the nationwide rollout of its network-level Anti-Spam and Anti-Smishing protection for mobile customers. The solution, which requires no application installation or user configuration, automatically detects and blocks suspicious and phishing URLs in SMS messages at the network edge. This ensures that fraudulent links are not delivered to BSNL users, while legitimate OTPs, banking alerts, and government notifications continue to be delivered in compliance with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) DLT/UCC framework.

The solution was first previewed during the India Mobile Congress 2024 and is now being deployed across BSNL circles as part of ongoing network upgrades.

Advanced technology for proactive threat prevention

Developed in collaboration with Tanla, a leading India-based cloud communications platform, the system integrates multiple advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), reputation intelligence, and link expansion capabilities. These tools operate in tandem to score and analyse messages in real time, intercepting malicious content before it reaches the user.

The platform also works in conjunction with the industry’s blockchain-based DLT (Distributed Ledger Technology) framework, already adopted by Indian telecom operators, to curb unsolicited commercial communication. The underlying technology has been recognised for delivering over 99% efficacy against smishing, operating at national scale and integrating with major web and messaging platforms to promptly neutralise emerging fraudulent campaigns.

Significant scale and impact

The Anti-Spam and Anti-Smishing solution demonstrates substantial operational capacity:

• Detects over 1.5 million scams daily
• Identifies more than 35,000 unique fraudulent links monthly
• Flags over 60,000 scam-related WhatsApp and mobile numbers each month
• Powered by four proprietary AI/ML engines, NLP, and deep learning models

For BSNL customers, this initiative represents a significant enhancement in mobile security. By blocking malicious-link SMS messages at the point of delivery, the risk of credential theft and payment fraud is materially reduced.

A step forward in national cybersecurity

BSNL’s nationwide implementation of this network-level protection reflects a strategic commitment to safeguarding customers in an increasingly digitised economy. By embedding robust anti-fraud measures directly into its infrastructure, BSNL ensures that mobile users are protected without the need for manual intervention, contributing to a safer digital environment across India.

This initiative not only strengthens consumer trust but also sets a benchmark for telecom-driven cybersecurity measures in the country.

With inputs from PIB