BSNL Deploys Nationwide Anti-Spam and Anti-Smishing Security System

The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has announced the nationwide deployment of its network-level anti-spam and anti-smishing security system for mobile users. The system, developed in collaboration with Tanla, uses AI, machine learning, and other technologies to detect threats in real-time and block phishing and suspicious URLs within SMS messages directly at the network edge. This move is designed to safeguard consumers from fraudulent links, while ensuring legitimate communications such as government notifications, banking alerts, and OTPs continue to be delivered without interruption.

Key Takeaways:

The system uses a combination of AI, machine learning, natural language processing, reputation intelligence, and link expansion to detect threats in real time, boasting an effectiveness rate of over 99% against smishing attacks.
The platform detects over 1.5 million fraud attempts daily, identifies more than 35,000 unique fraudulent URLs, and flags upwards of 60,000 scam-associated WhatsApp and mobile numbers each month.
The system integrates with the blockchain-based Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) system adopted by Indian telecom operators, enhancing efforts to curb unsolicited commercial communication.
The initiative will substantially reduce the risk of payment fraud and credential theft for BSNL customers, with malicious-link SMS being automatically blocked at delivery.
The system operates nationally and is integrated with major messaging and web platforms to address evolving cyber threats.
BSNL has stated that all mobile users in active service areas have this protection enabled by default, requiring no user action or configuration.

Statistics:

1.5 million fraud attempts detected daily
35,000 unique fraudulent URLs identified monthly
60,000 scam-associated WhatsApp and mobile numbers flagged monthly
Effectiveness rate of over 99% against smishing attacks
BSNL mobile users with the protection enables by default
Initiated by BSNL in collaboration with Indian cloud communications provider Tanla

Sources:

Ministry of Communications (14 August 2025)
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
Tanla