robocall

[roh-boh-kawl]

noun

Digital Technology, Telecommunications.

1. a telephone call placed to large numbers of people by a computerized device that automatically dials the telephone numbers and plays a recorded message.

   Many but not all robocalls are illegal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of robocall¹

First recorded in 1990–95; robo- + call (in the sense “telephone call”)

Example Sentences

For example, in late September 2008, the top headlines on Nixon’s website focused on robocall rules, lawsuits over mortgage fraud and consumer tips for students.

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Commissioners have worked together this year on key issues, including curbing robocalls and promoting spectrum-sharing among satellite systems.

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From fake robocalls to bogus celebrity endorsement of candidates, AI-generated content is testing tech platforms and lawmakers.

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Since the New Hampshire robocalls, the FCC has taken steps to combat the growing use of artificial intelligence tools in political communications.

Read more on Seattle Times

AI programs have already been used to generate misleading content, such as a robocall that mimicked the voice of Biden telling New Hampshire voters not to cast a ballot in that state’s primary.

Read more on Seattle Times