Google is integrating carrier-level filtering into RCS in India through a partnership with Airtel to strengthen protections against spam.

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Google and Bharti Airtel have partnered to integrate Airtel's network-level spam filtering directly into the RCS ecosystem in India. The move addresses persistent spam and fraud complaints that have plagued Google Messages in the country, including a 2022 incident that forced Google to temporarily pause business promotions on RCS. Under the partnership, Airtel's network intelligence will enable real-time sender verification, spam detection, and enforcement of do-not-disturb preferences within RCS. Airtel describes this as a global first for integrating a telecom operator's spam controls into an over-the-top messaging platform. Google's Android ecosystem president signaled the model could be extended to other markets as the company works to standardize RCS security globally.

Google looks to tackle longstanding RCS spam in India — but not alone

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