TechPression

Tag: Truecaller

  • Apple enables Truecaller’s live caller ID and spam blocking on iOS

    Apple enables Truecaller’s live caller ID and spam blocking on iOS

    Apple’s recent update on Wednesday has introduced a significant enhancement for iPhone users by integrating Truecaller‘s real-time caller ID and advanced spam-blocking features. 

    This long-awaited functionality allows iPhone users to access features that Android users have enjoyed for years finally.

    Read also: Truecaller in legal trouble over potential data breach in South Africa

    Enhanced caller identification

    With the introduction of the Live Caller ID Lookup framework in iOS 18.2, Truecaller can now provide real-time caller identification while maintaining user privacy. 

    According to Apple, “New APIs allow developers like Truecaller to fetch information from their servers and provide live caller ID for incoming calls, in a privacy-preserving way”. 

    This framework employs homomorphic encryption, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure during identification.

    Rishit Jhunjhunwala, CEO of Truecaller, expressed excitement about the update: “We see tremendous potential and growth in our iPhone user base… This update does that and more while preserving privacy for all calling activity”. This integration marks a notable shift in how caller ID services operate on iOS devices.

    Read also: Truecaller names Rishit Jhunjhunwala as new CEO, co-founders step back

    Spam call blocking

    The update adds automated spam call blocking, a popular iOS feature, and caller identification.

    This functionality intercepts unwanted calls before they reach the user’s phone, enhancing the overall calling experience. Truecaller has utilised its extensive global database of over 433 million active users to identify incoming calls accurately.

    The update is initially available for Truecaller Premium users, with select features accessible to free users. Truecaller also introduced a Premium Family Plan, allowing users to share benefits with family members at a reduced cost. This move aims to expand its user base on iOS, where it currently has around 750,000 subscribers out of 2.6 million total.

    To take advantage of the new features, users must ensure they have Truecaller for iPhone version 14.0 or later. Then, they can enable all Truecaller switches by navigating to Settings > Apps > Phone > Call Blocking & Identification.

  • Truecaller in legal trouble over potential data breach in South Africa

    Truecaller in legal trouble over potential data breach in South Africa

    In South Africa, Truecaller, a well-known caller identification software, may be investigated for possible privacy violations. According to reports, the Information Regulator was formally notified on Wednesday of Truecaller’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) violations.

    This development follows ongoing concerns from legal experts about the app’s data handling, particularly its previous requirement for users to upload their contact lists to access features.

    Read also: Truecaller names Rishit Jhunjhunwala as new CEO, co-founders step back

    Allegations of data mismanagement

    According to legal experts, Truecaller may be in violation of POPIA in two primary areas. The act prohibits the transmission of personal information outside of South Africa unless there are strict corporate agreements in place.

    Secondly, there are worries that individuals who have not subscribed to Truecaller might unknowingly have their information uploaded to the platform.

    Ahmore Burger-Smidt, head of regulatory practice at Werksmans Attorneys, emphasised that despite Truecaller’s claims of user consent through its terms and conditions, the company retains control over how personal data is collected and implemented.

    In response to these allegations, Truecaller has reiterated its commitment to user privacy. Hitesh Bhagat, Truecaller’s global head of corporate communications, stated that users can manage their data within the app and clarified that uploading contacts is not mandatory for using its services. 

    Privacy advocates contend that Truecaller should notify users when their information is added to its database to improve transparency and user control.

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    Ongoing concerns and future implications

    The situation is further complicated by recent reports indicating that sensitive data from approximately 300 million Truecaller users may have been leaked on the dark web, although Truecaller denies any breach of its database.

    This event demonstrates how difficult it is for businesses like Truecaller to balance service functionality and strict data privacy laws.

    Applications such as Truecaller are anticipated to be scrutinised more as South Africa continues to address concerns regarding digital privacy. According to the Information Regulator, users who believe their data rights have been violated are encouraged to submit complaints.

    The results of this investigation could substantially affect Truecaller’s operations in South Africa and the broader discourse on data privacy compliance in the technology sector.

  • Truecaller names Rishit Jhunjhunwala as new CEO, co-founders step back

    Truecaller names Rishit Jhunjhunwala as new CEO, co-founders step back

    Truecaller’s board of directors has appointed Rishit Jhunjhunwala as the new CEO of the company, reshuffling positions to allow co-founders, Alan Mamedi and Nami Zarringhalam take a backseat on running the company.

    Truecaller’s co-founders, Messrs Mamedi and Zarringhalam, are transitioning from their operational roles within the company, according to a statement on Wednesday. 

    Read also: Truecaller announces new brand identity, AI fraud prevention tools

    They announced their decision to focus on board responsibilities and serve as strategic advisors. This change allows them to concentrate on Truecaller’s long-term vision while enabling the leadership team to take full ownership of daily operations.

    Effective January 9, 2025, Mr Jhunjhunwala, currently the Chief Product Officer and Managing Director of India, will assume the role of Group CEO. Mamedi and Zarringhalam will remain with Truecaller as advisors until June 30, 2025, ensuring a smooth transition during this pivotal time for the company.

    Exploring Truecaller’s market leadership in India 

    As Truecaller’s Head of Product since 2015, Jhunjhunwala has been instrumental to product development and managed key revenue areas like advertising and Truecaller for Business. He became Managing Director of Truecaller India in 2021 due to his knowledge and impressive leadership, highlighting the company’s largest global market.

    Jhunjhunwala, is a Swedish citizen raised in India, indicating his unique upbringing. He manages all Truecaller product teams, ensuring the company stays at the forefront of caller identification and spam avoidance.

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    He also controls advertising and Truecaller for Business, two key revenue streams. Truecaller’s user engagement and income have grown under his leadership, especially in India, where demand is rising.

    Commenting on his appointment, Jhunjhunwala stated, “ We’re really proud that Truecaller is loved by almost half a billion people globally and with a robust strategy laid down for the years to come. Having worked closely with Alan and Nami since 2015, he recognises the challenge of following in their footsteps but he is committed to advancing Truecaller’s mission for safer, more secure communication”, he added.

    Board members Shailesh Lakhani, Annika Poutiainen, and Helena Svancar said they were excited with Jhunjhunwala’s appointment, stressing he contributed to Truecaller’s development by focusing on product and user experience. Our staff and product development have benefited from his leadership, they said.

  • Truecaller announces new brand identity, AI fraud prevention tools

    Truecaller announces new brand identity, AI fraud prevention tools

    Truecaller, known for its caller ID and spam-blocking software, has launched a new brand identity and AI fraud prevention tools to improve customer privacy and communication security. 

    The company says its new logo and picture show a renewed resolve to protect people from fraud while keeping its ‘True blue’ colour.

    Truecaller said that its customers around the world will benefit from “Search Context,” a solid anti-fraud technology that is built into the AI Identity engine of Truecaller. This news comes simultaneously as a significant digital shift in the IT industry, which shows Truecaller’s renewed focus.

    Truecaller Co-founder and CEO Alan Mamedi was excited about the company’s new corporate design and logo, emphasizing consumer satisfaction and constant improvement. “Our mission, to protect communication for all, guides us to develop new anti-fraud solutions like Search Context and engineer user privacy improvements,” he said.

    Read also: Truecaller Unveils Live Caller ID for iPhone

    Search Context: A Strong Anti-Fraud Tool

    The Search Context function, which helps users spot fraudsters and scammers, is a highlight of Truecaller’s rebranding. The AI Identity engine will warn Truecaller users immediately if the number’s name has changed recently or frequently. This context is color-coded into three categories:

    Blue: Indicates a neutral name change.

    Yellow: This means that a name change could be suspicious.

    Red: Signifies multiple and frequent name changes, highly indicative of fraudulent and scammer activity.

    All Truecaller users on Android, iPhone, and the Truecaller web platform will see this colour-coded message. This will help them make better choices and be more careful when needed.

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    Global Brand Consultancy Partnership

    The entire rebranding was done with Interbrand, a prominent worldwide brand consultant. Truecaller wants its new brand identity and improved features to stand out on Google Play and Apple App Store. Users interested in testing the changes should update Android 13.34 or iOS 12.58.

    In this significant release, Truecaller is dedicated to user privacy, security, and communication for all. Truecaller reinforces its role in fighting fraud and scam calls with Search Context and a revamped brand identity.

    Truecaller users should expect a safer, more secure communication experience as these modifications roll out globally over the coming weeks. The company prioritizes privacy.

  • Truecaller Unveils Live Caller ID for iPhone

    Truecaller Unveils Live Caller ID for iPhone

    Truecaller, a prominent platform in global communication that offers caller ID, spam-blocking software, and research-centered on-call services, has recently announced the launch of a significant upgrade to its product that is offered on iPhone. With just one click and the assistance of Truecaller’s premium service, you may put an end to the intrigue surrounding calls that seem to be anonymous.

    The iPhone application for Truecaller has been fully redesigned from the bottom up to be more lightweight, efficient, and, most notably, 10 times better at identifying spam, scam, and business calls in comparison to earlier versions of the app. Also, this update includes the addition of amazing new capabilities, all of which will result in an enhanced and more secure experience for users of iPhones all around the globe when it comes to communication. This utterly comprehensive Live Caller ID experience is now available for the first time on iPhones.

    Alan Mamedi, co-founder and CEO of Truecaller, made the following statement in reaction to the newest update: “This is something our iPhone consumers have been asking for for a long time. Live Caller ID for iPhone is the one key feature that has been missing from our iPhone app up until this point, and we are thrilled to provide it finally. We have been witnessing robust expansion from a variety of nations ever since we performed a comprehensive overhaul of the Truecaller experience on the iPhone a few months ago. And now, with the addition of Live Caller ID, our iPhone customers will be protected against the ever-increasing risk of spam and fraudulent calls.

    Read also: ‘Microsoft Teams’ partners Snapchat Lenses

    New Features:

    Live Caller ID using Siri: When an iPhone user gets an incoming call from an unknown number, they simply need to say, “Hey Siri, Search Truecaller.” Siri will then provide them with caller identification information. After that, the app will do a brief search and display the results directly on the screen you use to make calls. However, this brand-new feature is only accessible to Truecaller Premium subscribers on iOS 16 and newer versions.

    Spam feedback: Users may now read and add their own comments about spammers. In addition to improving Truecaller’s spam detection skills, this feature gives consumers the ability to report on their own experiences.

    Messages received through short messaging service (SMS) will now be automatically filtered into seven distinct categories: Finance, Orders, Reminders, Coupons, Offers, and Junk. This enhancement is now available for iOS 16 users in India, South Africa, and Nigeria and will soon be released in other countries.

     

    How to setup Truecaller Live Caller ID on iPhone:

    1. Go to the app’s Premium tab and click ‘Add to Siri’. (This helps you add the shortcut with one tap. The first time you use this feature, you will be asked to allow access for Truecaller; choose ‘Always allow’ to avoid being prompted again.)

     

    1. After you have set up the Siri shortcut in step 1, whenever you get an incoming call, simply say, ‘Hey Siri, search Truecaller’, and Truecaller will instantly tell you who is calling.

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    Other features offered in the Truecaller app

    You can do a lot more with Truecaller than merely ignore unwanted callers. It includes a dialer, and users may use Truedialer as their primary dialer if they choose. Its Discovery function is similar to Twitter and Facebook in that it helps you locate friends and acquaintances. It utilises your current contact information and physical location. If a contact’s information is hidden, Truecaller will display a network diagram to help you locate a mutual contact.

    Protect yourself from spammers; Truecaller automatically safeguards you from known spammers in a region once you install and set up the app on your device. You can also choose to reject calls from people who hide their identity while calling through this app.

    Instead of sending text messages from a phone, Truecaller lets you have conversations from inside the app. Even after the message has been read, users have the ability to alter the message that was sent simply. You need to be connected to the internet in order to use the chat feature on Truecaller.

    You have complete control over who may see what information in your Truecaller account, enabling you to protect your privacy and limit access to your contact information. You are able to see the total number of individuals that searched for your number. Additionally, in order to see the identity of the Truecaller user who visited your profile, you will need to upgrade to the premium version of the app.