Airtel Calls for Joint Effort with RBI, NPCI and Banks to Tackle Digital Fraud

Bharti Airtel has written to over 40 banks, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), calling for unified action against the growing menace of digital fraud. The telecom operator suggested establishing a shared repository of fraudulent financial domains to facilitate early identification and proactive blocking of malicious websites. 

Airtel believes a multi-layered defence system involving banks, regulators, and telecom players is essential to protecting India’s digital payment ecosystem.

Proposal to NPCI for Joint Security Measures

In correspondence with NPCI, Airtel’s MD, Gopal Vittal, praised the corporation’s existing AI/ML-driven real-time Fraud Risk Monitoring system and proposed further collaboration. Airtel introduced its own fraud detection solution, aimed at intercepting malicious links before users access them. 

This solution, the company stated, can complement NPCI’s current systems by enhancing early threat identification and blocking fraudulent websites at the point of user engagement. Airtel also recommended joint awareness campaigns and workshops to educate consumers about online safety and fraud prevention.

Engagement with RBI and Banks on Digital Security

Airtel has also written to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra, commending the central bank’s efforts, such as the MuleHunter.ai initiative, which identifies suspicious bank accounts used for illicit transfers. However, Airtel stressed that most existing systems are reactive, addressing fraud post-occurrence. 

It advocated for preventive mechanisms, including early intervention through link blocking, and offered technical support to strengthen the RBI’s digital security efforts. Major public and private banks have reportedly responded positively to this collaboration offer.

OTT Platforms and the Call for Regulatory Oversight

Raising concerns over OTT communication platforms, Airtel highlighted the challenges in securing these channels, especially as banks increasingly use them for customer communication. The telco stated that, unlike telecom networks, OTT apps lack traceability, regulatory compliance, and adequate consumer protection measures. 

Airtel argued that financial transactions should ideally remain on telecom networks, which offer better oversight. It also warned that the growing reliance on OTT messaging weakens the digital financial safety net and called for stronger regulatory frameworks.

Read More: Airtel Growth Engine in India’s Telecom Boom!

Airtel Share Price Performance 

As of June 09, 2025, at 12:45 PM, Bharti Airtel share price is trading at ₹1,863.10 per share, reflecting a decline of 0.38% from the previous closing price. The stock's 52-week high stands at ₹1,917 per share, while its low is ₹1,372.85 per share.

Conclusion

Airtel’s initiative aims to strengthen India’s digital security through collaboration, shared intelligence, and proactive fraud prevention.

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