France Enforces Strict Ban on Unsolicited Telemarketing Calls

France has introduced a comprehensive ban on unsolicited telemarketing calls, a move designed to protect consumers from persistent sales pitches and fraudulent practices. The law, supported by President Emmanuel Macron's government, came into effect on Tuesday.

Under the new rules, businesses are prohibited from contacting consumers without their explicit prior consent. This consent can be withdrawn at any time, according to Alice Vilcot, chief of staff at the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Prevention of Fraud. The measure replaces the previous opt-out system, where consumers had to register their numbers on a government list to avoid calls. Consumer groups had complained that some call centers ignored that list.

The government estimates that around three-quarters of French residents receive at least one unsolicited sales call every week. In 2024, 11 consumer organizations jointly called for a ban, describing the constant intrusion into daily life as "relentless harassment."

Violators face significant penalties: individuals can be fined up to €75,000 ($87,000) per call, while companies may be fined up to €375,000 ($435,000) per call. There are exceptions, such as when consumers explicitly consent to receive calls or when companies contact existing customers about new offers within an ongoing contractual relationship.

The ban has raised concerns in Morocco, where the call center industry relies heavily on French business. Employment Minister Younes Sekkouri told lawmakers that up to 50,000 jobs could be at risk. The sector, which has attracted around $100 million in investment and generates over $1 billion annually, has historically derived more than 80% of its revenue from the French market, according to Youssef Chraïbi, president of the Moroccan Federation for Outsourcing Services. However, Chraïbi noted that pure telemarketing now represents only 15% to 20% of the industry's activity, as it has diversified.

France's approach follows similar measures in Germany, which has had a ban since 2009, and the Netherlands, which recently tightened its rules. Other countries, including the United States, Canada, and the UK, rely on opt-out registries. In the UK, companies that call opted-out individuals can be fined up to £500,000 ($670,000) per call.