Ribbon Communications Inc has conducted a survey on robocalls (automated voice calls) in Japan.
Machine-generated robocalls, also known as automated voice calls, often utilizing AI technology. While these calls can enhance operational efficiencies and reduce manpower requirements, they are frequently misused for fraudulent activities, such as obtaining personal information or conducting scams.
Earlier this Spring, robocalls mimicking President Biden’s voice using generative AI technology were used to dissuade voters from participating in the New Hampshire electoral primary ahead of the November 5th presidential election. Globally, robocalls have become a significant social issue. In Japan there has been a sharp increase in fraudulent robocalls, including scams involving false claims of unpaid fees.
Key survey findings include:
- Awareness Gap: Approximately 90% of respondents had never heard of robocalls. However, among those who were aware, approximately 85% recognized their use in fraudulent activities around the world.
- Suspicious Calls: One in five respondents reported receiving suspicious robocalls soliciting personal information or suspected of being scams, suggesting that despite limited public awareness, fraudulent robocalls are currently being made in Japan.
- Impact on Daily Life: Over 90% of those who received suspicious robocalls felt uncomfortable answering their phones, indicating that the impact of suspicious robocalls extends into everyday life.
- Limited countermeasures: 70% of respondents believe that individuals only have limited options in fighting against unwanted calls.
- As generative AI continues to evolve, the potential for damage caused by abusive robocalls is likely to increase. This underscores the need for companies and telecom providers to deploy robust tools to combat the misuse of robocalls are abused.
“Robocalls have been increasing around the world over the past few years, and while not all robocalls are malicious, thery are contributing to a growing loss of trust in telephony. More and more, people refuse to answer calls from unknown numbers, blocked numbers, or avoid answering the phone altogether,” commented Yoshikazu Kuwabara, Senior Manager, Systems Engineering Department, Ribbon Communications.
“As robocalls are not a daily occurrence in Japan at present, many people are unaware of them. However, as 42% of respondents have experienced robocalls (automated voice calls), indicating that robocalls do exist in Japan and could become more common in the future. In the USA, where robocalls have become a major issue, call verification (STIR/SHAKEN) has already been mandated by the FCC and Congress.”
Survey Summary
- 90% of people have never heard of ‘robocalls’!
- Of those who know about robocalls, about 85% know of cases where they have been used fraudulently.
- Around 42% of respondents have experienced robocalls!
- One in five people have experienced a suspicious robocall!
- Approximately 94% of those who experienced a suspicious robocall had negative feelings about the call they subsequently received.
- When a call comes in from an unknown number, the countermeasure taken by around 70% of people is: ‘I don’t answer unknown numbers’.
- About 71% of respondents feel that there are limited measures that individuals can take against unwanted phone calls!