Updating the PASS app activates spam AI detection

If you are an SK Telecom subscriber, you can activate a feature where AI detects and alerts you to phishing texts simply by updating the 'PASS' identity verification app, which is already installed on your smartphone, to the latest version. LG U+ subscribers can now use real-time AI synthetic voice detection security features during calls for free by installing the 'ixi-O' app. Both carriers provide a defensive shield against financial fraud threats through app installation and updates alone, without requiring complex separate applications for value-added services.

SKT: AI Spam Filtering Completed with the Single PASS App

On July 23, 2024, SK Telecom integrated 'T Spam Filtering,' previously offered only as a standalone app, into the PASS app used by approximately 17.5 million users, renaming it 'PASS Spam Filtering' ¹. This measure aims to unify spam management within a single app frequently used by customers and enhance accessibility.

The most significant change is the addition of the 'Phishing Text AI Detection Alert' and 'Keyword Recommendation' features. In the past, users had to directly register numbers or phrases to block, but now AI first assesses the likelihood of 'phishing texts' that impersonate acquaintances or financial institutions to lure users to phishing sites and provides alerts ¹. Additionally, it automatically extracts and recommends dangerous keywords frequently used based on reported spam data ¹.

If you also wish to block voice phishing, you can utilize the real-time detection function within the AI personal secretary service 'A dot' ².

LG U+: ixio Distinguishing AI Synthetic Voices on Your Phone

LG U+ provides Anti-DeepVoice technology for free through its AI call agent app 'ixio' ³. This technology analyzes the differences between AI-synthesized mechanical sounds and actual human voices in real time, detecting forged voices used in voice phishing.

Anti-DeepVoice analyzes abnormal high frequencies and unnatural pronunciation patterns that appear during the voice synthesis process. It determines whether a voice is forged or altered within 5 seconds of the call connecting, and if a risk is detected, it displays a pop-up alert on the phone screen for immediate warning ³.

The ixio app, which incorporates this technology, began supporting the iOS version in November 2024 and expanded its support to Android Galaxy devices by May 2025. Anti-DeepVoice itself was first unveiled at MWC in March 2025, with its commercialization announced in June of the same year ³.

Furthermore, a partnership service with KB Insurance, which compensates ixio subscribers up to KRW 3 million for phishing and hacking damages, is being operated free of charge for 24 months ².

Parts to Manage Directly in App Settings

Even if automated AI detection functions establish the baseline, it is efficient for users to directly configure detailed settings according to their usage environment.

1. Directly Set Blocking Criteria: You can directly register specific numbers, area codes, or repetitive phrases that AI failed to catch into the app's list for unconditional blocking. For SKT, blocking based on text, numbers, and area codes is possible within the PASS app, and unwanted strings can also be registered ⁴, ¹.
2. Check Notifications and History: Periodically check in the app settings whether notifications for dangerous texts or numbers are turned off, and review the spam filtering history to inspect which calls were blocked.

You can start blocking AI-based spam and voice phishing for free by updating the PASS app for SKT and installing the ixio app for LG U+. However, since notifications from carrier apps serve as preemptive warnings, if you have already received suspicious calls or proceeded with a remittance, do not rely solely on app notifications. Instead, contact the relevant financial institution's customer center, the Police Agency (112), or the Financial Supervisory Service (1332) immediately to proceed with procedures such as freezing account payments ⁴.