Truecaller, the popular caller identification service, will soon be available on WhatsApp and other messaging apps to help users spot potential spam calls over the internet. The feature is currently in beta phase and is set to be rolled out globally later in May, according to Truecaller Chief Executive Alan Mamedi.
The move comes in response to a spike in user reports from India about spam calls over WhatsApp, with telemarketers switching to internet calling in a fairly new development for the market. Truecaller’s service will help users identify these calls and take action against them.
Telemarketing and scamming calls have been on the rise in India, with users receiving an average of 17 spam calls per month, according to a 2021 report by Truecaller. In February, India’s telecom regulator directed carriers like Jio and Airtel to start blocking telemarketing calls over their networks using artificial intelligence filters. Truecaller has said it is in discussions with telecom operators to implement a similar solution.
For Truecaller, India is its biggest market with 250 million users. The company has 350 million users globally and earns revenue from advertising, subscription services, and verified listings from businesses. The new feature will allow Truecaller to expand its services to a wider audience and provide a more comprehensive solution to the problem of spam calls.
WhatsApp is the most used messaging platform in India and uses spam detection technology to spot and take action on accounts engaging in abnormal behavior. The platform also allows users to block and report problematic accounts. With Truecaller’s service now available on WhatsApp, users will have an additional tool to help them identify and avoid spam calls.
