New Delhi: In a significant move to safeguard its mobile subscribers from rising cyber threats, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has rolled out a network-level Anti-Spam and Anti-Smishing protection system across India. The system, which requires no user action, blocks malicious links in SMS messages before they reach a customer’s device — offering a seamless and secure mobile experience.
The deployment reinforces BSNL’s commitment to a “safe, secure, and always connected” digital ecosystem and is a major step forward in protecting users against phishing, smishing, and credential theft.
read also: Govt Urges BSNL Circles to Resolve Service Quality & Tower Power Issues Amid Revival Push
Malicious Links Blocked at Network Level
Unlike app-based or device-level security measures, BSNL’s new system works directly at the network edge. It automatically scans and filters SMS messages in real time to detect and block phishing URLs and suspicious content. As a result, harmful links are stopped before delivery, ensuring that customers never even see the threat.
Crucially, legitimate messages such as OTPs, banking alerts, and government notifications are not affected, and continue to flow under the existing TRAI DLT/UCC framework.
Advanced AI/ML-Powered Detection System
Developed in partnership with Tanla, a leading cloud communications provider, the system is powered by a multi-layered AI/ML engine. It uses:
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Link expansion and reputation scoring
- Deep learning models
- Integration with India’s blockchain-based DLT system
These tools allow the platform to analyze SMS content instantly and block fraudulent links, with over 99% accuracy in identifying smishing and scam attempts.
Impressive Scale and Impact
BSNL shared key operational insights, highlighting the scale of the protection system:
- 1.5 million+ scam attempts detected and blocked daily
- 35,000+ unique scam links identified every month
- 60,000+ fraudulent mobile and WhatsApp numbers flagged monthly
This proactive approach is expected to dramatically reduce financial fraud, identity theft, and phishing-based attacks on mobile users.
Enabled by Default, No User Setup Needed
BSNL confirmed that the protection system is enabled by default for all mobile subscribers in live circles, with phased activation underway across the country. This frictionless rollout ensures that users are protected without the need to download any app or adjust their device settings.
The service was first previewed at India Mobile Congress 2024, and its nationwide deployment positions BSNL as a leader in proactive telecom security in India.
A Safer Digital India, One SMS at a Time
This initiative comes amid rising concerns about SMS-based scams, especially those impersonating banks, government services, and e-commerce platforms. By blocking threats at the carrier level, BSNL has placed itself at the forefront of a broader industry push to combat digital fraud and enhance trust in mobile communication.
About BSNL
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is a public sector telecom company under the Ministry of Communications. Known for its pan-India telecom footprint, BSNL is playing a crucial role in providing secure, indigenous, and future-ready connectivity infrastructure across sectors.
