from ARNOLD MULENGA in Lusaka, Zambia
Zambia Bureau
LUSAKA, (CAJ News) – AIRTEL has launched its breakthrough Artificial Intelligence- (AI-) powered spam alert service in Zambia, to boost the country’s fight against cyber threats.
This is hailed as the first such a service in Zambia, weeks after the operator launched a similar initiative in Kenya.
Said to be the first such initiative, it is automatically activated for all Airtel customers and is designed to filter and automatically classify suspicious SMS messages as suspected spam, allowing you to identify and avoid potential scams.
“This is a timely and strategic response to cyber threats,” Felix Chitati, Minister of Technology and Science, said at the launch Spam Alert Service.
Speaking at the event in Lusaka on Wednesday, he signed the service by Airtel aligned with the eight National Development Plan (8NDP) and the recently-enacted Cyber Security Act.
“This service not only enhances consumer protection but also supports the Government’s broader agenda of digital transformation, innovation and inclusive access to secure ICT services,” Chitati said.
The service works on features and smartphones.
“The AI spam alert service is the first of its kind in the Zambian market and it fosters our dedication towards groundbreaking solutions aimed at better customer experience,” Hussam Baday, Airtel Zambia Managing Director, said.
He said the AI-powered spam alert would enable customers to be more vigilant to fraud attempts on their phones and to have a better experience of Airtel services.
According to experts, the spam industry began in 1978 and has grown to one of the largest global industries, amounting to US$10,5 trillion.
– CAJ News