In brief
France has outlawed unsolicited telemarketing calls after a consumer‑protection plea, limiting calls to those with prior consent or linked to an existing contract. The measure, hailed as a small revolution, may cost overseas call‑centre jobs and impose paperwork burdens on companies. Nearly 80 % of French adults say they get frequent calls, with 47 % receiving them daily, indicating widespread annoyance. Business groups warn of added costs, while the law aligns France with stricter German, Austrian and Italian cold‑call rules.
France has banned unsolicited telemarketing calls, a move hailed by consumer groups as a "small revolution" in sales regulation.
From 12 August, businesses of all sectors are prohibited from making unsolicited calls unless the call relates to a pre‑existing contract or the caller has provided written consent.
"Peace and quiet is a right," read the statement by Que Choisir Ensemble, likening the new rule to a win for ordinary consumers who dislike unwanted solicitations.
Survey data shows 97 % of French people are annoyed by telemarketing, 72 % are contacted on mobile at least once a week, and 38 % experience daily calls.
Business representatives, however, warn that the rule could halt up to 50 000 jobs overseas, especially in Morocco where call‑centre operators rely heavily on the French market.
The law also requires companies to obtain written consent and keep evidence of that consent, adding administrative burdens noted by the French direct‑selling trade association.
France is following in the footsteps of Germany, Austria and Italy, which already restrict cold calls, making it a leading voice in European consumer protection.
