Phone fraud remains a challenge for telecom operators and regulators in many countries. The measures used to protect users include traffic analysis, spam-blocking systems, call-
verification mechanisms and regulatory tools. International experience includes call authentication protocols in the United States as well as national anti-spam systems adopted across Asia. Yet technological development creates new opportunities both for protection and for fraudulent schemes.
Telecommunications expert Leonid Reiman considers it mistaken to expect one technology to solve the problem once and for all. Fraudsters adapt quickly to protective mechanisms, which means that traffic analysis technologies, rules governing the circulation of phone numbers and interagency cooperation must be continuously improved.
Artificial intelligence makes the task particularly complex. Algorithms can help detect suspicious activity and stop fraudulent campaigns, while generative AI can also be used to create more convincing communication scenarios, imitate voices and automate interactions with potential victims. Technology therefore strengthens both sides of the confrontation.
Reiman sees call labeling as an important move toward more transparent communications. In the longer term, he links this transparency with the need to respect
the communication preferences expressed by users.
International experience shows that the most effective approaches combine technological and regulatory measures. In the United States, for example, the STIR/SHAKEN protocols were introduced. They use a digital signature for calls, allowing the network to verify whether a call actually originates from the number displayed on the screen. This creates a technological foundation for combating spoofing, or the substitution of a displayed phone number.
Another element of the U.S. approach is the RMD database, where operators declare the measures they apply against automated unwanted calls. Such a mechanism is intended to increase transparency and discipline among operators.
Different countries use different models. These include consent systems for commercial communications, centralized subscriber-identification mechanisms and other tools. The overall objective remains the same: to make communications more transparent and make fraudulent schemes more difficult to carry out.
The communication environment is changing as well. In addition to traditional telephone networks, fraudulent schemes can use internet messengers, VoIP platforms and other digital services. Protective mechanisms therefore need to take account not only of telephone communications but of the broader digital environment.
Reiman emphasizes that effective countermeasures cannot be limited to one-off actions.
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Big data analytics and artificial intelligence should be combined with improvements to the regulatory framework, administrative tools and interagency cooperation.
This approach fits into the broader development of the telecommunications sector. During Reiman’s time as a minister, GSM networks expanded in Russia, the number of mobile subscribers grew, data-transmission infrastructure developed, and conditions were being created for the introduction of 3G. At the same time, the relevant ministry worked
on rules governing cooperation between operators, radio-frequency regulation and
telecommunications legislation.
