VoIP spam

VoIP spam is unwanted, automatically dialled, pre-recorded phone calls using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). It is similar to E-mail spam. It is sometimes referred to by the acronym SPIT (SPam over Internet Telephony).

Voice over IP systems, like e-mail and other Internet applications, are susceptible to abuse by malicious parties who initiate unsolicited and unwanted communications. Telemarketers, prank callers, and other telephone system abusers are likely to target VoIP systems increasingly, particularly if VoIP supplants conventional telephony.

The underlying technology driving this threat is Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). This technology has received significant support from most major telecommunication vendors, and is showing signs of becoming the industry standard for voice, video and other interactive forms of communication such as instant messaging and gaming.

Similar rules to email systems that block unsolicited mail will also prevent unsolicited voice and video communication. This can also be compared to how chat applications prevent unwanted users from viewing your availability or state of presence by using “privacy” options.