This law, supported by President Emmanuel Macron’s administration, will take effect on Aug. 11.
Here’s an overview of the law and its possible implications.
In the past, individuals in France wishing to avoid marketing calls had to register their numbers with a government-managed service, but consumer advocates reported that some telemarketers disregarded this list.
Now, “businesses are forbidden from reaching out to consumers without their prior consent,” stated Alice Vilcot, chief of staff at the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Prevention of Fraud. “Consumers can withdraw that consent at any time.”
The government claims this law is a direct response to numerous consumer grievances. Authorities estimate that around three-quarters of people in France receive at least one unsolicited sales call weekly, with many receiving multiple calls.
In 2024, 11 consumer organizations jointly called for a prohibition, condemning “the relentless harassment of consumers through countless unwanted telemarketing calls to both landlines and mobile phones — an intrusion that has become an everyday occurrence.”
This legislation was approved by Parliament last year.
Individuals who engage in illegal calling activities may face fines of up to 75,000 euros ($87,000) for each call. Companies could incur penalties of up to 375,000 euros ($435,000) per call.
However, there are exceptions. Consumers can allow marketing calls by, for instance, checking a consent box on a registration form. Companies may contact existing customers with new offers, provided there is a prior contractual relationship.
Unsolicited calls can be reported through a government website.
Vilcot mentioned that an Ireland-based company was penalized 6 million euros ($6.9 million) last year for breaching France’s earlier telemarketing regulations by calling individuals listed on the no-call roster.
The introduction of this law has prompted concerns in Morocco, where Employment Minister Younes Sekkouri indicated in March that between 40,000 and 50,000 jobs in the country’s call centers could be jeopardized. Sekkouri noted that the French market constitutes over 80% of revenue in this sector.
Germany, France’s neighbor, has enforced a similar ban since 2009.
Many other nations depend on opt-out frameworks.
In the United States, citizens can register for the national Do Not Call list to reduce unwanted sales calls; Canada has a similar Do Not Call registry, while the UK has established the Telephone Preference Service.
In Britain, companies contacting individuals who have chosen to opt out can be fined up to 500,000 pounds ($670,000) for each call.
