Tech Mahindra, an Indian IT solutions firm, is co-operating with Microsoft to create a blockchain-based solution to fight spam calls.
Since 2010, the TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has been working with cell providers to help address the issue. However, so far there’s been limited success.
The TRAI founded a “Do Not Disturb” registry, which boasts 23 core subscribers. But spammers still manage to get customer consent through deceitful and fraudulent tactics.
However, Microsoft and Tech Mahindra have been working closely with the TRAI. Hence they designed their blockchain-based solution after meeting other value chain stakeholders.
The plan is to bring the relevant parties onto the blockchain thereby helping telecom firms and telemarketers share information. The data will cover reference registration, consent acquisition, dynamic preference setting, stakeholder onboarding, header registration, template registration, scrubbing service, and complaint handling and tracking.
They hope that sharing data will help create a verifiable and transparent system to deal with spam calls more easily.
The solution will be built on Microsoft’s Azure blockchain platform.
“Blockchain as a technology is a powerful tool to combat the issue of spam calls and fraud risks, to protect user information, as well as the integrity of the telecom sector. This Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT)-based solution will enable enterprises to stop financial frauds and perpetration of misleading financial information by unregistered telecom marketers who rampantly use the SMS service of Telcos,” said Rajesh Dhuddu, Global Practice Leader, Blockchain, Tech Mahindra.
Prashant Shukla, National Tech Officer, Microsoft India said: “With a Microsoft Azure blockchain-powered solution, we will ensure that we mitigate loopholes used by fraudsters and spammers to reach end users. Microsoft believes blockchain has significant potential to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse from markets of all types.”
Crucially, the blockchain solution will also adhere to new TRAI regulations and enable all telecom players to comply.
