Machine learning: The latest weapon in the fight against fraud - VanillaPlus - The global voice for B/OSS

In recent months, machine learning has become somewhat of a buzzword, with major players such as Google highlighting the positive impact it can have for businesses. Defined as a subset of artificial intelligence, machine learning focuses on the development of computer programmes that can teach themselves, and grow and change in response to new data. With 90% of the world's data having been created in the last two years alone, the ability to develop automated processes to efficiently adapt to new information is invaluable. For mobile operators, machine learning has the potential to drive huge benefits, in particular when it comes to tackling fraud. In 2016 alone, telcos are expected to face global losses of $294 billion, making it vital that they look to utilise all tools at their disposal to combat such a pressing issue, says Raul Gomes Azevedo, director Product Development, WeDo Technologies. For starters, fraud management involves identifying specific profiles and behaviour, and checking whether everything's running as expected, or if there are any anomalies.