In brief
France has moved to ban unsolicited telemarketing calls in a bid to protect consumers from unwanted interruptions. The measure, effective from Tuesday, makes such calls illegal except when a prior contract exists or consent has been provided. While consumer groups laud the move as a quieting revolution, business groups warn of added administrative burdens and job losses, especially for Moroccan call-centre operators. A 2025 report shows 97% of French residents find telemarketing annoying, with many receiving frequent calls. The law aligns France with stricter norms seen in Germany, Austria and Italy, but remains different from the UK's more permissive framework.
France bans unsolicited telemarketing calls
From Tuesday, French firms across all sectors are prohibited from making unsolicited calls to private households, a change that consumer advocacy groups label a "small revolution" for the sales industry.
Calls will only be allowed if they relate to an existing contract or if the company has obtained prior written consent. "Peace and quiet is a right, and it is time to stop exposing consumers to unwanted solicitations," said Marie‑Amandine Stévenin, president of Que Choisir Ensemble. The group has campaigned for years against the assumption that every private phone is a potential market.
However, the reforms have sparked criticism from business groups and officials in Morocco, where many call‑centres serve French clients. A report in the Moroccan daily Le Matin estimates that the restrictions could cost up to 50,000 jobs. France’s direct‑selling trade association, the Fédération de la Vente Directe, warned that the new rules will add administrative burdens: obtaining written consent and maintaining proof.
A parliamentary report from 2025 found that 97% of French residents are annoyed by telemarketing calls, a phenomenon that unites the population. 72% reported being called on their mobile at least once a week, while 38% received daily calls. In contrast, Germany, Austria and Italy already impose significant restrictions, whereas the UK allows most calls provided the recipient has not objected and isn’t on a statutory do‑not‑call list.
