Additional Coverage:
France to Ban Unsolicited Telemarketing Calls Starting August 11
PARIS – Beginning August 11, France will implement a new law prohibiting unsolicited telemarketing calls, a move designed to protect consumers from intrusive sales pitches and reduce fraudulent commercial practices. The legislation, championed by President Emmanuel Macron’s administration, aims to address long-standing public frustration with persistent marketing calls.
Addressing Years of Consumer Complaints
Until now, French consumers seeking relief from unwanted calls had to register their numbers on a government-managed “no-call” list. However, enforcement was weak, with many call centers disregarding the restrictions. Under the new law, companies are barred from contacting individuals without obtaining explicit prior consent-a consent that consumers can revoke at any time, explained Alice Vilcot, chief of staff at the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Prevention of Fraud.
Authorities estimate that roughly 75% of French residents receive at least one unsolicited sales call each week, with some enduring multiple calls daily. In 2024, a coalition of 11 consumer organizations called for a comprehensive ban, highlighting the “relentless harassment” caused by unwanted calls to both landlines and mobile phones. Parliament approved the legislation last year in response to these concerns.
Strict Penalties for Violations
The law imposes hefty fines on violators: individuals making illegal calls may be fined up to 75,000 euros (approximately $87,000) per call, while companies could face penalties as high as 375,000 euros (about $435,000) for each infraction. Exceptions exist for cases where consumers have given prior consent-for example, by opting in on forms-or where companies maintain an existing contractual relationship and wish to offer new products or services.
Consumers can report violations through a dedicated government website. Notably, an Ireland-based company was fined 6 million euros ($6.9 million) last year for breaching France’s prior telemarketing restrictions by calling numbers on the no-call list.
Economic Concerns from Morocco’s Call Center Industry
The new regulations have sparked concerns abroad, particularly in Morocco, where the call center sector heavily relies on the French market. Younes Sekkouri, Morocco’s minister of employment, warned in March that the law could threaten 40,000 to 50,000 jobs, given that over 80% of the country’s call center revenue comes from France.
International Context
France joins several countries with similar measures to curb unwanted calls. Germany has maintained a comparable ban since 2009. Other nations operate opt-out systems: the United States offers a National Do Not Call Registry; Canada has its own list; and the United Kingdom enforces the Telephone Preference Service, where violations can lead to fines up to 500,000 pounds ($670,000) per call.
The new French law represents a significant step toward stronger consumer protections against telemarketing intrusions.