Bitdefender New Call Protection Feature for Android!

I asked the support team a question, and you can also see their response in the images attached. I have already replied to them again, but I would like to hear your thoughts as well.

What I find difficult to understand is the support statement that Bitdefender utilizes its proprietary technologies and algorithms to detect and block malicious calls. This seems unusual to me because, as far as I know, neither software companies nor telecom service providers typically rely on algorithms alone for blocking spam and fraud calls. Instead, they primarily depend on a database of reported numbers, which is either curated by the company itself or crowdsourced from users.

I find it hard to believe that any technology-based algorithms alone could effectively identify fraudulent calls without a pre-fed database. The detection of such calls, in my understanding, is almost entirely dependent on continuously updated databases built from reported numbers and known threats.

Could you clarify how Bitdefender algorithm functions in this context, and whether it also incorporates such a database of reported numbers to ensure accuracy?

I also went through the article mentioned below, but it did not address my exact concern.

https://www.bitdefender.com/en-us/blog/hotforsecurity/block-the-scam-bitdefenders-new-call-protection-feature-for-android-puts-you-in-control

Regards

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Alexandru_BD

@Flexx,

I can also respond here, as it seems that agozob is a bit busy at the moment. But if he feels the need to add anything, he certainly will.
Obviously, the detection doesn't rely on algorithms alone for blocking spam and fraud calls, but also on users' reports. For the record, this is a new feature after all and it hasn't been adopted by many users yet. In time, as this functionality is adopted by more and more users, the detection of malicious calls will also improve, directly proportional to the usage and reports the application receives.
The app developers and mobile security researchers are constantly working to improve detection, and when users manually add fraudulent/spam phone numbers, this helps the community and also improves detection methods and algorithms in place. In a nutshell, there are two means by which detection is made — proprietary technologies and algorithms, and user feedback. And the more this feedback develops and grows, the more accurate the detection becomes, complemented of course by the technologies they have developed for this purpose.

I'll share some tips that may be useful to users in the future, and this practice will also help the mobile security researchers improve detection.

Users who wish to report false positive/false negative fraudulent calls do not need to write to Support, because they can manage these calls and report the detection type directly from the application:

For example, in case of a false positive (which obviously can happen), the user can tap the three dots next to the number to display the "Unblock" option.
This unblocking means that the number will no longer be blocked from future calls.
In the background, the app also sends a query indicating that the number is a false positive and is treated accordingly from that point onwards.
In case of a false negative, users can access the "Block list" and add the number with the label they deem most appropriate (untrusted/fraudulent/spam).
After adding the number to the block list, all calls from that number will be blocked.
In the background, this action also sends a query indicating to Bitdefender that the number is a false positive and will be treated as such.

As for proprietary technologies, they are unique tools, methods, systems, or processes that are owned and controlled by Bitdefender. Let's not forget that Bitdefender is not only a leader, but also an innovator in the cybersecurity industry. 😉 Thus, they will always use cutting-edge technology developed in-house.

Due to the sensitive nature of the security researchers' work and the need to maintain both operational effectiveness and competitive advantage, certain proprietary technologies and algorithms used to detect and block malicious calls must remain confidential. Disclosing specific technical details to the public could compromise the integrity of the security solutions and potentially enable malicious actors to evade detection. Furthermore, these mechanisms constitute valuable intellectual property developed through extensive research and investment, and are therefore protected as business secrets. As such, you can understand why they are unable to share in-depth information about these systems.

Thank you!

Flexx

@Alexandru_BD, I appreciate you taking the time to reply, and I understand that sometimes not everything can be disclosed. However, certain things should be explained clearly enough to help users understand how the feature actually works.

We live in a world where there is intense competition between different software vendors in every category. Take Truecaller, for example — hardly anyone is unaware of it. They are very transparent and open about how their application works, and even their support team provides information that is crisp and clear.

So, my question is: in the long run, how does Bitdefender plan to compete with or surpass Truecaller in this space? After all, it’s always a competition between the best. And more importantly, how transparent are software vendors willing to be with their customers when it comes to explaining how their features work?

Also, below is the link explaining how Truecaller works, as shared by their support team:

https://www.truecaller.com/blog/features/how-truecallers-caller-id-works-your-questions-answered

Regards

Alexandru_BD

You're absolutely right, we operate in a highly competitive environment, and companies like the one you've mentioned have set noteworthy benchmarks in user engagement and communications. However, precisely because of this intense competition, many technologies, especially those involving threat detection, behavioral analysis, AI-driven decision-making, and privacy-focused communication filtering are the result of years of specialized research, innovation, and substantial investment. These core technologies constitute valuable intellectual property, and as such, cannot always be disclosed in full detail. Please bear this in mind.

That said, transparency where it matters most to the user is a core principle we stand by. While Bitdefender may not publicly share a comprehensive schematic of the algorithms or architecture used for this new Call blocking feature, thye always make it a priority to provide clear and relevant information that helps users understand what the feature does, how to use it effectively, and how it benefits them, whether that’s enhanced security, improved privacy, or smarter threat mitigation.

The available documentation, support teams, and UI are continually evolving to reflect this philosophy. We aim to communicate not just how the features work at a functional level, but also why they matter, especially when it comes to protecting users in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Ultimately, I believe true transparency isn’t just about revealing every line of code, but about earning user trust through clarity, consistency, and delivering value. And that’s what we strive to do every day.

I appreciate the feedback and suggestions, as always. 😉

Flexx

Thank you for your explanation, much appreciated 🙂

Regards