Spam messages account for 15% SMS sent globally —Truecaller

By Emeka Aginam

DESPITE global regulations, a latest study by Truecaller, a caller identification application, has revealed that spam SMS accounts for 15 percent of all SMS messages sent globally. Accordingly, this represents 1.2 trillion spam messages each year.

This is even as Truecaller and Google have come together to improve video calling for millions.

The strategic agreement is expected to integrate Google Duo, a high quality video calling service, within the Truecaller app. This will add a crucial communications layer that strengthens the value of Truecaller’s wildly popular dialler, caller ID, and spam blocking app already used by more than 250 million users globally.

In the same vein, Truecaller has announced a completely new redesign of the Android app which now has a broader array of features like; instantly seeing who is sent you a text message to filter spam messages and flash messaging which allows you to send quick pre-defined messages to any Truecaller user notifying them of distress, that you are on your way, your location, or that you have reached home.

Speaking on the new features, Nami Zarringhalam, Co-founder and CSO of Truecaller, said; “From the beginning we have worked relentlessly to build a product that helps simplify communication for consumers across the globe, and help them address important needs such knowing the identity of those calling, and blocking unwanted numbers. With valuable partners like Google, we are excited to take the next step in our journey, bringing all your mobile communications under one roof and giving you the safest, most efficient, and most convenient experience possible without having to switch back and forth.

“The new look and feel of Truecaller is consistent with its ongoing commitment to provide a safe and efficient experience for millions of mobile users who have become increasingly frustrated by the growing problem of spam calls and texts from unknown users. Now, as one of the fastest growing mobile apps in the world, Truecaller sits at the centre of your mobile phone experience helping you connect with the people who matter, in the way you want to communicate, while avoiding calls and texts from those you don’t.

“People use Truecaller to stay ahead. It helps them know who’s getting in touch, filter out unwanted and focus on what really matters. The company provides a suite of unique services such as a dialer that offers caller ID, spam detection, messaging and more. Truecaller’s mission is to build trust everywhere by making communication safe and efficient.” Zarringhalam revealed.

On video calling, Amit Fulay, Head of Duo at Google added; “Video calling should work for everybody, regardless of what platform they are on. Our aim is to make video calling simple, fast, and available to everyone.

With this Truecaller integration, we are able to bring a better video calling experience to millions of new users.

“Google Duo is a simple video calling app that takes the complexity out of video calling. The service has been built to be fast and reliable, with a single button push for connecting with other users.

Truecaller integration with Google Duo will be available in the coming months for Android and iOS as a permission-based service, where users will be able to opt-in and out at any time.” Fulay declared.

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