robo-texts
Machine-sent spam texts
Robo-texts are automated text messages sent in bulk, typically for marketing, political campaigns, or scams.
Like robocalls, they're generated by software rather than typed by humans: I've been getting robo-texts from candidates all week.
The term carries negative connotations—nobody celebrates receiving them.
Operating without human control
- unsolicitedNot asked for
- bulkMain mass or size
- scamDishonest money-making scheme
- phishingFraudulent credential harvesting
promotional · marketing · junk · unwanted · fake · fraudulent · spoofed · telemarketing
Mobile text protocol
- automationSelf-operating system design
- APISoftware communication standard
- botAutomated software agent
- algorithmFinite problem-solving procedure
software · scheduled · triggered · chatbot · autoresponder · platform · shortcode · broadcast
Organized effort toward goal
- voterBallot-casting citizen
- electionOrganized public voting
- candidatePerson seeking selection
- fundraisingSoliciting money for organizations
donation · polling · GOTV · mobilization · canvassing · partisan · PAC · outreach
Broadcast oversight agency
- consentVoluntary agreement given
- opt-inActively choose participation
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- lawsuitCivil court proceeding
violation · fine · penalty · class-action · litigation · privacy · enforcement · settlement
automated
Operating without human control
- unsolicitedNot asked for
- bulkMain mass or size
- scamDishonest money-making scheme
phishing · promotional · marketing · junk · unwanted · fake · fraudulent · spoofed · telemarketing · opt-out
SMS
Mobile text protocol
- automationSelf-operating system design
- APISoftware communication standard
- botAutomated software agent
algorithm · software · scheduled · triggered · chatbot · autoresponder · platform · shortcode · broadcast · programmatic
campaign
Organized effort toward goal
fundraising · donation · polling · GOTV · mobilization · canvassing · partisan · PAC · outreach · advocacy
FCC
Broadcast oversight agency
- consentVoluntary agreement given
- opt-inActively choose participation
- complianceAdhering to requirements
lawsuit · violation · fine · penalty · class-action · litigation · privacy · enforcement · settlement · attorney-general
- spamspam, junk mail, spam filter, spam folder, bulk mail
- voter suppressionvoter suppression, voter intimidation, disenfranchisement, poll tax, poll taxes
- Campaign AdsTV spots, radio spots, digital ads, attack ads, social media ads
robo-textshandwritten note
Message inscribed manually
personal correspondence · handwritten letters · heartfelt messages · love letters · thank-you notes
robot, robots, robotic, robotics, robotically, text, texts, texting, texted