France bans unsolicited telemarketing calls

France has implemented a ban on unsolicited telemarketing calls, marking a "small revolution" for the sales industry according to consumer groups. Effective from Tuesday, businesses across all sectors are prohibited from making unsolicited calls, with exceptions limited to situations where the call relates to an existing contract or the company has obtained prior consent for marketing purposes.

Consumer advocacy group Que Choisir Ensemble emphasized the importance of peace and quiet, stating that the right to be free from unwanted solicitations must be respected, not just in France but also online and in public spaces. Marie-Amandine Stévenin, president of the group, criticized the saturation of people's lives with demands to consume and lamented the automatic assumption that individuals at home are potential customers.

While the law change was welcomed by the majority of consumers who do not wish to receive sales calls, it has been met with resistance from business groups, particularly in Morocco, where the call center sector is heavily dependent on the French market. Estimations suggest the new restrictions could result in the loss of up to 50,000 jobs, according to a Moroccan government minister.

The Fédération de la Vente Directe, France's direct-selling trade association, criticized the reforms as adding administrative burdens for businesses, noting that they will need to obtain written consent from customers and keep proof of that consent. A 2025 parliamentary report revealed that 97% of people find telemarketing calls annoying, and 72% of French individuals are contacted on their mobile phones at least once a week, with 38% receiving calls daily.

Similar restrictions on telemarketing calls exist in other European countries, including Germany, Austria, and Italy, while the UK permits most telemarketing calls as long as the recipient has not objected and their number is not on a list of those who do not wish to receive calls.