France Bans Unsolicited Telemarketing Calls

France has banned unsolicited telemarketing calls, with the new law requiring businesses to obtain prior consent before contacting consumers. The law, which aims to protect consumers from intrusive sales pitches and fraudulent commercial practices, comes into effect after being approved by Parliament in May 2025.

The new law states that businesses can only make calls if they have obtained prior consent from the consumer or if the call is related to a contract the person has already entered into. Violators of the law face fines of up to €375,000 per call, while individuals who make illegal calls can be fined up to €75,000 per call.

According to a parliamentary report, about three-quarters of people in France receive at least one unsolicited sales call every week, with 97% of people in France annoyed by telemarketing calls. The ban is expected to have a significant impact on the telemarketing industry, with estimates suggesting that up to 50,000 jobs could be lost in Morocco, where the call centre sector is heavily reliant on the French market.

Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the ban, with Que Choisir Ensemble calling it a "small revolution" for the sales industry. The group's president, Marie-Amandine Stévenin, said that the ban should finally put an end to the daily harassment that the French have endured for far too long.

However, not everyone is happy with the new law, with some business groups criticizing the reforms for adding administrative burdens for businesses. Frédéric Billon, the head of France's direct-selling trade association, said that businesses will now have to obtain written consent from customers and keep proof of that consent.

## Why it matters The ban on unsolicited telemarketing calls is a significant step towards protecting consumers from intrusive sales pitches and fraudulent commercial practices. With the majority of people in France annoyed by telemarketing calls, the ban is likely to be welcomed by consumers. However, the impact on the telemarketing industry and related jobs is likely to be significant, and it remains to be seen how businesses will adapt to the new law.

People can report unsolicited calls through a government website, and companies can face fines of up to €375,000 per call for violating the law. As the law comes into effect, it will be important to monitor its impact and ensure that businesses are complying with the new regulations.