Internet Control

Airtel has rolled out a network-level system that blocks malicious links across WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, email, browsers, and SMS. The feature is auto-enabled for all mobile and broadband users. It is currently live in the Haryana circle.

The system scans internet traffic in real time. Instead of opening flagged websites, the system directs users to a screen that informs them about the reason for blocking the link. According to the company, the system uses data from global threat repositories, banks, and other institutions to block malicious websites sent across apps.

Airtel confirmed to MediaNama that the feature has been in testing for the past six months. It also said the tool has achieved close to 100% accuracy in internal trials, making way for possible wider rollouts in the coming weeks.