Truecaller, the popular caller identification service, will soon be available on WhatsApp and other messaging apps to help users identify potential spam calls over the internet. The company’s Chief Executive, Alan Mamedi, announced that the feature, currently in beta phase, will be rolled out globally later this month.
Rising Spam Calls in India
Spam calls have been on the rise in countries like India, with users receiving an average of 17 spam calls per month, according to Truecaller’s 2021 report. In February, India’s telecom regulator directed carriers like Jio and Airtel to start blocking telemarketing calls over their networks using AI filters. Truecaller has been working with telecom operators to implement similar solutions.
Spike in User Reports
Mamedi noted that Truecaller has seen a spike in user reports from India about spam calls over WhatsApp in the last two weeks. This is a fairly new trend in the market, with telemarketers switching to internet calling. WhatsApp is the most used messaging platform in India and uses spam detection technology to identify and take action on accounts with abnormal behavior. Users can also block and report problematic accounts.
Truecaller’s Revenue Model
India is Truecaller’s biggest market with 250 million users, while the service has 350 million users globally. The company earns revenue from advertising, subscription services, and verified listings from businesses.
In conclusion, Truecaller’s move to launch its caller identification service on messaging apps like WhatsApp is a timely solution to the rising problem of spam calls. The company’s global rollout of this feature will be welcomed by users who have been inundated with unwanted calls. By working with telecom operators and messaging platforms, Truecaller is taking steps to curb the menace of spam calls and protect users from potential scams.
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