Breaking news

Truecaller Strengthens Household Security With Family Protection

Swedish communications firm Truecaller has introduced an innovative scam-protection tool that marks a significant evolution from its traditional caller ID service. The newly launched Family Protection feature addresses the increasing complexity of fraud schemes that now target entire households.

Enhanced Multi-User Security

Family Protection enables up to five individuals to join a dedicated family group, with one member designated as the administrator responsible for managing scam-prevention settings. The pilot program is currently available for Android and iOS users in Sweden, Chile, Malaysia, and Kenya. This approach empowers the more digitally savvy family member to safeguard the household by monitoring and controlling scam alerts, thereby easing the burden on less tech-confident relatives.

Robust Functionality in Action

On Android devices, administrators gain access to real-time alerts during suspected scam calls, basic device diagnostics such as battery levels, and the ability to remotely terminate calls identified as fraudulent. This strategic enhancement comes at a time when global scam attempts have surged, particularly in markets with burgeoning first-time smartphone users and among older demographics vulnerable to digital deception.

Tracking a Global Surge in Fraud

The prevalence of scam calls has escalated worldwide, with countries like India reporting a spike in impersonation and multi-step fraud attempts. Truecaller, which boasts a user base exceeding 450 million worldwide, analyzes approximately 63 million scam attempts per day and benefits from a community that contributes to one of the largest databases of phone-based fraud activity. The continuous tracking of these trends underscores the company’s commitment to evolving its defense mechanisms in line with shifting fraud methodologies.

Adapting to a Competitive Landscape

As Truecaller expands its functionality beyond basic caller identification, it faces new challenges—most notably, emerging competitors in key markets such as India. Recent trials of a Caller Name Presentation system by the Indian government exemplify the regulatory and competitive dynamics that require innovative solutions. In response, Truecaller continues to broaden its service portfolio, with plans to roll out the Family Protection feature to additional regions, including India, in early 2026.

Innovative Leadership in Digital Safety

Truecaller CEO Rishit Jhunjhunwala remarked that the initiative is a direct response to the evolving threat landscape. “With Family Protection, one person’s vigilance now strengthens safety for up to five family members,” he explained, emphasizing the company’s objective to extend robust protection seamlessly across households. For users who opt for the Premium Family plan, the benefit extends to an ad-free experience and enhanced spam defense, including the automatic rejection of high-risk calls.

This strategic pivot not only reinforces Truecaller’s market position as a leader in caller identification but also highlights its adaptive approach to digital security in an era marked by sophisticated fraud. With a blend of technology and user empowerment, Truecaller is setting new standards for household security in the digital age.

Sila Wins $1.4 Billion Pentagon Loan To Scale U.S. Battery Production

Sila has secured a $1.4 billion loan from the U.S. Department of Defense to expand production of its silicon-carbon battery material as the U.S. seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese battery supply chains.

Silicon Anodes Offer Higher Energy Density

The funding comes as U.S. automakers and defense companies face challenges securing battery materials from non-Chinese suppliers. Graphite, which is used in most lithium-ion battery anodes, has a supply chain heavily dominated by Chinese producers.

Sila is among several companies developing silicon-based alternatives to graphite. Other players include Group14 and Amprius.

Silicon anodes can store around 20% to 40% more energy than graphite, potentially enabling longer-lasting batteries or smaller and lighter cells. Those characteristics are particularly attractive for electric vehicles, drones and other mobility and defense applications.

Sila produces its silicon-carbon material at a factory in Moses Lake, Washington, giving it a domestic source that is less exposed to tariffs and geopolitical risks.

The facility began operating in September and currently has annual capacity of about 2 gigawatt-hours of anode material. Sila plans to expand the factory fivefold, which would provide enough material for more than 100,000 EVs.

Pentagon Funding Supports Expansion

In July, Sila raised $300 million to help finance the expansion, bringing its total funding from private investors to more than $1.5 billion, according to PitchBook.

The company already has agreements with Mercedes-Benz and Panasonic. The new Pentagon financing could also help Sila pursue contracts with defense companies as demand for advanced batteries grows.

The Department of Defense announced funding for three other critical-materials companies alongside the Sila loan.

Sunrise Energy Metals will receive a $400 million loan to develop scandium resources, while Niron Magnetics secured $150 million to manufacture rare-earth-free magnets. Strategic Bauxite will receive an $85 million government equity investment to support mining of aluminum-bearing minerals.

Aretilaw firm
eCredo
Uol
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter