MTS has introduced a groundbreaking AI-driven solution to combat SMS spam through its Membrana application, named the 'Smart SMS Filter.' This innovative feature utilizes a dual approach: semantic text analysis and sender address evaluation, allowing it to effectively differentiate between annoying advertisements and important messages from banks and government agencies.
Upon receiving a message at the MTS SMS center, the system directs it to the Membrana platform. If the message originates from a short or alphanumeric number, the platform analyzes its content for potential spam. Depending on the analysis, it then decides whether to block the message or deliver it to the user. Notably, messages sent from regular numbers (like DEF or ABC) and international numbers are exempt from this filtering process.
The development of the machine learning (ML) model that powers the 'Smart SMS Filter' was a meticulous process. A dedicated team comprising data scientists and two product analysts from Membrana spent several months training the model. They meticulously marked and verified 18,000 SMS messages from the training database, which were subsequently loaded into the model. As a result, the system boasts a minimal error rate: less than 1% of significant messages are incorrectly flagged as spam (false positives), while the rate for important messages that are missed (false negatives) stands at 8%.
Pavel Loginov, the product director at Membrana, emphasized the significance of SMS as a communication channel. He stated, "SMS is an important communication channel for subscribers. It is how they receive crucial messages from banks, government institutions, and service providers. However, this channel is often cluttered with annoying and useless messages, causing subscribers to miss vital information. For instance, reminders about mortgage payments or notifications from healthcare providers can easily be overlooked due to spam."
The 'Smart SMS Filter' feature is available for users to activate independently within the Membrana application. Currently, it is accessible to subscribers in Moscow and the surrounding Moscow region, with plans to extend availability to all MTS subscribers in the near future. The service currently costs 1,900 rubles per month.
As MTS continues to enhance the capabilities of Membrana, developers are exploring additional features. Upcoming updates include avatar cloning of the subscriber's voice and protection against deepfakes, among other functionalities. This expansion reflects MTS's commitment to providing its users with advanced tools to manage their communication effectively.
In a world where spam messages can easily overwhelm important notifications, the 'Smart SMS Filter' represents a significant step forward in personal communication management. By leveraging AI technology, MTS aims to ensure that subscribers can focus on what truly matters—important messages that require their attention.
As the service rolls out to more users, it could transform how individuals interact with their mobile devices, making the SMS experience not only more efficient but also more secure. With the ongoing evolution of communication technology, MTS is positioning itself at the forefront of innovation, catering to the needs of a modern audience.
