Mobile Directory Number Spam Filtering via Subscription Date Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unwanted text message alerts continue to be sent to new users of a mobile directory number (MDN) after the previous user has deactivated their service subscription, resulting in spam messages.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented to identify and block these unwanted messages by comparing the subscription date of the previous user with the current provisioning date of the MDN, and automatically generating a reply message to the service provider to remove the MDN from their distribution list, thereby preventing the messages from reaching the new user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the service provider continues to send messages to the MDN based on the old subscription list, then the service maintains continuity for the previous user, but spam messages are sent to the new user
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by comparing the subscription date with the current provisioning date before delivering messages. This pre-check identifies messages intended for previous users and prevents them from reaching current users, thereby eliminating spam before it causes harm while maintaining service continuity for valid subscriptions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the comparison result of subscription date and provisioning date determines message delivery. When the subscription date precedes the provisioning date, the system feedbacks that the message should be blocked, creating a closed-loop control that prevents spam while preserving legitimate message delivery
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the system blocks all messages with subscription dates before the current provisioning date, then spam messages are prevented, but valid messages from services that should continue may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by making the message delivery decision specific to each individual message rather than applying a blanket block or allow rule. Each message is evaluated independently by comparing its subscription date with the current provisioning date, allowing precise control over which messages are delivered and which are blocked, thereby maintaining both spam prevention and message delivery accuracy
3Loss of information
If the system automatically generates reply messages to service providers to remove MDNs from distribution lists, then the distribution list accuracy is improved, but additional network communication and processing overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically generating and sending reply messages to service providers without requiring manual intervention. When a message with an invalid subscription date is detected, the system autonomously communicates with the service provider to remove the MDN from the distribution list, thereby maintaining distribution list accuracy through automated self-correction rather than manual updates
Data Source
AI summary
A method for blocking unwanted messages sent to a mobile device is provided. In one embodiment, messages received when the MDN is deactivated are responded to with a message asking the sender to delete the MDN from the sender's distribution list. In another embodiment, messages are received with a subscription date. The subscription date is compared to the most recent provisioning date of the MDN. If the provisioning date is after the subscription date, then the message is blocked and a reply message may be generated indicating to the sender that the MDN should be removed from the sender's distribution list.