France bans unsolicited telemarketing calls, imposes hefty fines

France has enacted a new law banning unsolicited telemarketing calls, a move designed to shield consumers from intrusive sales tactics and protect vulnerable individuals from fraud. The legislation, which took effect Tuesday, shifts from an opt-out system to a mandatory opt-in approach for businesses.

Under the new rules, companies must obtain explicit prior consent from consumers before initiating sales calls. This consent can be revoked at any time. The government enacted the law in response to widespread consumer complaints, with an estimated three-quarters of French people receiving at least one unwanted sales call weekly. Consumer groups had previously denounced the calls as "relentless harassment."

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businesses are prohibited from contacting consumers without their prior consent. That consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Violators face substantial penalties. Individuals making illegal calls can be fined up to 75,000 euros ($87,000) per instance, while companies could face fines of up to 375,000 euros ($435,000) per call. Exceptions exist for marketing calls made with explicit consumer consent or for companies contacting existing customers with new offers under a contractual relationship.

The new law has sparked concern in Morocco, a popular outsourcing destination for call centers due to its low labor costs and French-speaking workforce. The Moroccan minister of employment estimates that up to 50,000 jobs could be at risk, impacting an industry that generates over $1 billion in annual revenue.

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relentless harassment of consumers through countless unwanted telemarketing calls to both landlines and mobile phones, an intrusion that has become a regular part of their daily lives.