In brief
From Tuesday, France has enforced a nationwide ban on unsolicited telemarketing calls, allowing only those that relate to existing contracts or have prior consent. Consumer groups like Que Choisir Ensemble hail the rule as a small revolution, while business bodies warn of extra paperwork and potential layoffs. A 2025 parliamentary survey revealed that 97% of French people find cold calls irritating, a sentiment shared across several EU nations. International call‑centre hubs, notably in Morocco, fear losses of up to 50,000 jobs ahead of the reform.
France has banned unsolicited telemarketing phone calls, a move hailed by consumer advocates as a “small revolution” for the sales industry.
Effective from Tuesday, businesses across all sectors must now refuse to contact individuals unless the call is tied to a pre‑existing contract or the caller has received prior written consent.
“Peace and quiet is a right,” declared Marie‑Amandine Stévenin, president of Que Choisir Ensemble. “It is time to stop exposing consumers to unwanted solicitations.”
Stévenin added that the advocacy group seeks to end the automatic assumption that people at home are potential customers, reinforcing an official profile of the right to not be disturbed.
However, the new law has flashed opposition from business circles. A Moroccan government minister warned that restrictions could remove up to 50,000 jobs in the call‑centre sector. The Fédération de la Vente Directe's head Frédéric Billon criticized the reforms for imposing “administrative burdens” and the need to keep detailed consent proofs.
According to a 2025 parliamentary report, 97% of people in France find telemarketing calls annoying—an issue that “unites” the populace. The same report noted that 72% of French were contacted on their mobile phones at least once a week, while 38% received a call once a day.
European countries such as Germany, Austria and Italy already impose strong restrictions on cold calls. In contrast, the UK allows most telemarketing calls provided the recipient hasn’t opted out and their number isn’t on a statutory do‑not‑call list.
By Jake Lapham – BBC News
