Autodialers

/ˌɔːtoʊˈdaɪələrz/ noun

Definition

Devices or programs that automatically dial phone numbers without human interaction, often used for telemarketing or alert systems.

Etymology

From auto- (self, automatic) + dialer (a device that dials). Emerged in the 1970s-80s as telephone technology became automated, combining Greek autos with the modern English 'dial' from Old French.

Kelly Says

Autodialers became so notorious for spam calls that many countries created 'Do Not Call' registries specifically to stop them—the technology accidentally created one of the first coordinated consumer protection movements against unwanted automated contact.

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