Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolution and escalation of marketing and harassment calls, highlighting the technological advancements that have made these calls more pervasive and difficult to combat, despite the introduction of protective measures like "Do Not Disturb" services [1][5][12]. Group 1: Evolution of Harassment Calls - The history of harassment calls parallels the history of telephone usage, with marketing calls becoming more intrusive over time as technology advanced [3]. - Initially, marketing calls were less frequent and provided some functional value, but as information access improved, they became more of a nuisance [5]. - The introduction of VoIP technology in the early 21st century marked a new phase, allowing for automated mass calling, significantly increasing the efficiency of harassment calls [5][6]. Group 2: Technological Advancements - AI technology has enabled the creation of sophisticated calling systems that can simulate human conversation and adapt based on responses, making it harder for users to identify spam calls [6][12]. - Companies like Ronglian Cloud have developed systems that can mask caller identities and evade regulatory scrutiny, further complicating efforts to combat harassment calls [6][12]. - The cost of making calls has drastically decreased due to these technological advancements, making it economically viable for companies to continue their operations despite low conversion rates [10][12]. Group 3: Regulatory Responses and Challenges - Recent regulations, such as the new lending rules implemented by the National Financial Regulatory Administration, aim to reduce the volume of harassment calls by limiting partnerships to approved institutions [13]. - Despite some improvements, the enforcement of penalties for harassment remains weak, leading to a persistent issue where the cost of violations is lower than the potential profits [15][16]. - The establishment of a "Do Not Call" registry in the U.S. serves as a model for potential regulatory frameworks that could be adopted to mitigate harassment calls [16]. Group 4: Industry Impact and Future Outlook - Companies like Ronglian Cloud have had to adjust their business models in response to public scrutiny and regulatory pressures, shifting towards more compliant and high-value AI solutions [18]. - The ongoing battle against harassment calls suggests that while complete eradication may be unrealistic, continuous efforts can lead to a quieter communication environment [18].