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Experts praise Airtel’s AI tool against fraud

Dar es Salaam. Communication and consumer protection experts have called on Tanzanians to remain vigilant in the face of rising mobile fraud, while applauding Airtel Tanzania’s AI-powered Spam Alert service for its role in shielding users from scammers.

Executive Secretary of the TCRA Consumer Consultative Council (TCRA-CCC), Mary Shayo, said mobile fraud remains a serious concern for users of communication services.

“Fraud not only leads to financial loss, but it also erodes public trust in mobile communication. And yet, mobile phones play a vital role in our daily lives—economically, socially, and professionally,” she said.

She said the government remains committed to combating digital crime through public education campaigns like #SITAPELIKI, developed in collaboration with mobile operators and tech partners.

“We encourage users to be vigilant whenever they receive suspicious messages. Our #SITAPELIKI campaign, run with all mobile network operators, is crucial in this fight. In that regard, we commend Airtel Tanzania for its innovative Spam Alert – Kataa Matapeli service, which uses Artificial Intelligence to detect scam messages in real time,” she said.

She said Airtel’s efforts reflect its commitment to consumer protection and support national goals for digital safety.

“This is not just a technological breakthrough; it’s a practical tool that empowers users to make informed decisions. Airtel deserves praise for leading by example,” she said.

Representative of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology Consumer Consultative Council, Florence Mtuka, said Airtel’s investment complements the government’s broader aim of ensuring safe internet access—particularly as mobile penetration expands into underserved communities.

“As network coverage grows, more users are shifting from feature phones to smartphones. This brings both opportunity and risk. Tools like Airtel’s Spam Alert, which apply AI to analyse messages, are both timely and vital,” Mtuka said.

Florence said the technology is particularly helpful in rural and low-literacy areas where it may be harder to identify fraud attempts.

“These solutions allow digital services to grow without compromising safety. That’s the balance we need for inclusive digital transformation,” Mutuka said.

Director of Corporate Communications at Airtel Tanzania, Beatrice Singano, said the Spam Alert service is accessible across the country and works on both smartphones and basic mobile devices.

“The AI system constantly filters and flags potentially fraudulent messages, enabling users to act before any harm is done,” she said.

She urged customers to take personal responsibility in protecting themselves and to stay informed.

“Let’s stay alert and educate each other. Airtel will never send messages or make calls from any number other than 100. The new Spam Alert service helps users verify the authenticity of messages, giving them control to make safe choices,” she said. “We stand with the government in saying ‘Kataa Matapeli’. Together, we can ensure that mobile technology remains both empowering and secure for all Tanzanians.”