Sichuan authorities probe AI outbound calling robots in harassment scandal
China's state broadcaster CCTV exposed AI outbound calling robots being used by multiple companies to make large volumes of unsolicited marketing calls daily. One company, 合众易联（成都）科技有限公司, was specifically named in the 3·15 consumer protection programme broadcast. Sichuan authorities launched a joint investigation in response to the exposure.
What happened
China's state broadcaster CCTV exposed AI outbound calling robots being used to make large volumes of harassment calls in its annual 3·15 consumer protection programme on 15 March 2025.
合众易联（成都）科技有限公司 was named among multiple external calling companies making thousands to hundreds of thousands of marketing calls daily using AI smart robots under the guise of 'efficient user reach' and 'accurate customer acquisition'.
On 16 March 2025, Chengdu High-Tech District Market Supervision and Administration Bureau issued a statement confirming it had launched a joint investigation with public security and network information departments in response to the CCTV report.
Reported impact
The use of AI robots for unsolicited marketing calls resulted in harassment of large numbers of people receiving these calls.
Governance controls
Chengdu High-Tech District Market Supervision and Administration Bureau stated it would handle the matter according to law following the completion of its on-site investigation.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.