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France bans telemarketing calls without consent
🇵🇱 Poland /Economy & Trade

France bans telemarketing calls without consent

From Rzeczpospolita · () Polish

Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • France has implemented a ban on unsolicited telemarketing calls, requiring prior consent from consumers.
  • The new regulation allows calls only for existing contracts or with explicit marketing permission.
  • While consumer groups celebrate the move, some businesses, particularly in Morocco, fear job losses due to the restrictions.

France has enacted a new regulation prohibiting unwanted telemarketing calls across all business sectors, effective immediately. Companies can now only contact consumers if the call relates to an existing contract or if they have obtained prior explicit consent for marketing purposes.

It cannot be stressed enough that peace and quiet are a right, and it is time to stop exposing consumers to unwanted advertising.

— Que Choisir EnsembleA statement from the consumer organization celebrating the new ban on unsolicited telemarketing calls.

Consumer advocacy group Que Choisir Ensemble hailed the decision, stating, "It cannot be stressed enough that peace and quiet are a right, and it is time to stop exposing consumers to unwanted advertising." Marie-Amandine Stevenin, president of the group, told the BBC that this is a "victory for consumers," the vast majority of whom do not wish to receive sales calls. She added that the group has long advocated for an end to the assumption that individuals at home are potential customers.

However, the new rules have sparked concern among some business groups and officials, particularly in Morocco, where the call center industry relies heavily on the French market. Moroccan newspaper Le Matin reported that government officials estimate the telemarketing restrictions could lead to the loss of up to 50,000 jobs. Frédéric Billon, head of the French direct selling association, Federation de la Vente Directe (FVD), also criticized the reforms, arguing they impose administrative burdens on businesses. He noted that companies will now need to obtain written consent from clients and maintain proof of that agreement.

This is a victory for consumers, the vast majority of whom do not wish to receive sales calls.

— Marie-Amandine SteveninThe president of Que Choisir Ensemble commenting on the significance of the new French telemarketing regulations.

A 2025 parliamentary report highlighted the widespread annoyance caused by telemarketing, stating that 97% of people find such calls irritating, describing it as "one of those rare issues that unites people in France." The report also indicated that 72% of French citizens received at least one unsolicited call per week on their mobile phones, with 38% receiving daily calls. Several European countries, including Germany, Austria, and Italy, already have significant restrictions on telemarketing, while the UK permits most calls unless the recipient has opted out or is on a 'do not call' list.

You will have to obtain written consent from your client and you will have to keep proof of this consent.

— Frédéric BillonThe head of the French direct selling association explaining the new administrative requirements for businesses.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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