Movistar fights spam calls with ai, blocks 190 million
Spain's largest telecom, Movistar, is launching an aggressive counteroffensive against the relentless tide of spam calls, deploying a new AI-powered network security tool dubbed “Spam Calls.” The move comes as Telefónica, the parent company behind Movistar, reports staggering figures – millions of fraudulent connections monthly – far exceeding the nuisance of a few unwanted calls.
A predictive approach to call filtering
Instead of relying on outdated, static blocklists, Movistar's system analyzes call behavior in real-time, employing predictive models to identify patterns characteristic of mass spam, aggressive telemarketing, or outright scams. When an incoming number exhibits these red flags, users receive an immediate on-screen alert – a clear “Spam” or “Fraudulent Call” tag – allowing them to decide whether to answer or ignore. The service is automatically activated for most customers and, according to Movistar, has already intercepted a remarkable 190 million fraudulent calls since March 2025, boasting a detection rate nearing 97%.
The system’s efficacy isn’t just about blocking. It’s about rebuilding trust in a fundamental communication channel. For too long, the simple act of receiving a call has become a source of anxiety, a potential prelude to a scam. Movistar’s aim is to restore that peace of mind.
Beyond the network: empowering users
While the network-level filtering is automatic, Movistar has also introduced an opt-in feature via the Mi Movistar app (and O2). Users can manually activate enhanced protection, allowing them to block unwanted calls before they even ring. The process is straightforward: simply identify yourself via DNI or phone line, navigate to the “Network Protection” section, and enable “Spam Call Identification.”
Of course, no system is perfect. There's a small risk of misidentification – a legitimate call flagged as spam. But Movistar argues that even in those instances, the caller will likely attempt another form of contact. The company emphasizes that it only blocks calls with a high probability of being spam, based on historical behavior.
Spain tackles the root of the problem
Movistar’s efforts are part of a broader national push to combat spam. Spain recently implemented the Law of Customer Service Attention (SAC), intended to clamp down on unsolicited communications. The previous legal framework, the General Telecommunications Law of 2023, proved ineffective, allowing companies to circumvent consent requirements through tactics like hidden clauses in website cookies. Furthermore, many spammers utilized foreign call centers to evade restrictions.
The new SAC law introduces several key changes, including mandatory notifications before subscription renewals (15 days prior), a prohibition on fake reviews on platforms like Google Maps, a three-minute limit for customer service wait times, and increased transparency regarding online transaction fees. The Spanish government is clearly taking this issue seriously, recognizing that relentless spam undermines consumer trust and fuels fraud.
The ongoing battle against spam requires a multi-faceted approach – technological innovation from providers like Movistar, robust legal frameworks, and heightened consumer awareness. The early results are promising, but the fight is far from over. The sheer volume of fraudulent calls intercepted—nearly 200 million—underscores the scale of the problem and the urgency of the response.