RealNetworks launches AI robocall blocker KONTXT for VOICE to identify and stop scam robocalls once and for all

There has been a global increase in caller fraud with criminals preying on fear during the worldwide pandemic. No country is immune. Robocalls were up 26% year-over-year in February, according to RoboKiller.

Today, RealNetworks, building upon its’ vast experience in mobile communications, released a new product Wednesday aimed at blocking robocalls, which are on the rise and have become the top consumer complaint to the FCC. Dubbed “KONTXT for VOICE,” the new AI robocall blocker identifies and stops scam robocalls once and for all.

The Problem

For many years, Telcos across the globe have been fighting caller fraud. Common fraud calls include government imposters claiming to be from the IRS with money awaiting transfer; offers for medical marijuana and other prescription medication; and get-rich-quick scams.

A recent AARP survey found that 44% of people in the US have been contacted by one of the government impersonators. 79% of US adults targeted and/or victimized by an impostor and scam have reported that the scammer contacted them by phone.

The FCC estimates that the “wasted time and nuisance” caused by scam robocalls exceeds $3 billion each year, while fraudulent robocall schemes cost Americans about $10 billion annually.
As the global lockdown winds down, fraud is expected to continue as criminals have learned much about what works and what doesn’t work by using a combination of robotic and live caller scripts.

The Solution

KONTXT for VOICE features a unique voice fingerprinting solution that combines audio spectrum analysis with natural language processing. The results are instantaneous and position KONTXT to lead the charge in the battle against costly spam and fraud. Early versions of KONTXT for VOICE are deployed within two major telephone company (Telcos) partner networks today.

KONTXT for VOICE is an AI-backed service that actively blocks fraudulent calls. This funnel shows how it works.

Commenting on the launch, Michael Bordash, CTO of RealNetworks KONTXT said: “RealNetworks’ KONTXT data scientists and engineers have developed new voice fingerprinting techniques to assess whether an incoming caller is a contact or a shady unknown scammer.”

Bordash added, “The KONTXT for VOICE solution goes beyond simple phone number blocklists and voice captcha which are easily circumvented by criminals. Our machine-learning microservices analyze the voice & the intent of the human or robo caller, and make a fast and accurate assessment to help protect global network customers.”

Availability
KONTXT for VOICE not only protects telephone customers, but it also protects network capacity by reducing fraudulent calls and allowing for prioritization of legitimate calls. KONTXT for VOICE is available for deployment to CPaaS platforms via API and traditional Telcos and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) experiencing caller fraud. Customers interested in improving their network traffic and protecting their customers from scam robocalls can request a demo here.