France will ban unsolicited telemarketing calls starting Aug. 11 under a new law designed to protect consumers and prevent fraudulent commercial practices. The legislation, backed by President Emmanuel Macron's government, prohibits businesses from contacting consumers without their explicit prior consent, which can be withdrawn at any time.
This new law comes in response to years of consumer complaints. Authorities estimate that approximately three-quarters of people in France receive at least one unsolicited sales call weekly. In 2024, eleven consumer organizations jointly called for a ban, describing the situation as "relentless harassment."
Under the previous system, individuals had to register their numbers on a government-run service to avoid marketing calls, but consumer groups reported that some call centers disregarded this list. The new legislation shifts the burden to businesses to obtain consent before making contact.
Penalties for violating the law are significant. Individuals making illegal calls can face fines of up to 75,000 euros ($87,000) per call, while companies can be fined up to 375,000 euros ($435,000) per call.
Exceptions to the ban include situations where consumers have explicitly consented to receive marketing calls, such as by checking a consent box on a form. Companies are also permitted to contact existing customers with new commercial offers if they have an established contractual relationship.
Reports and complaints about unsolicited calls can be submitted through a government website. Last year, an Ireland-based company was fined 6 million euros ($6.9 million) for violating France’s prior telemarketing regulations.
The French market represents a significant portion of revenue for call centers in neighboring Morocco, with the country's employment minister indicating that 40,000 to 50,000 jobs could be at risk. Morocco’s call center sector reportedly derives more than 80% of its revenue from the French market.
France's opt-in system contrasts with opt-out systems employed in other countries. Germany has had a similar ban since 2009. The United States utilizes a national Do Not Call registry, Canada has its own Do Not Call list, and the U.K. has the Telephone Preference Service. In Britain, companies that disregard opt-out requests can be fined up to 500,000 pounds ($670,000) per call.