France has banned unsolicited telemarketing calls across all sectors, allowing them only when a person has already signed a contract or the company has obtained prior consent to be contacted. This change is hailed by consumer groups as a small revolution for the sales industry.
Consumer advocacy organisation Que Choisir Ensemble stresses that peace and quiet are rights that should no longer be violated by unwanted solicitations, echoing a widespread sentiment that most customers do not wish to receive sales calls.
Business groups, however, express concern. A government minister in Morocco warns that the restrictions could eliminate up to 50,000 jobs linked to telemarketing, and the president of France's direct‑selling association highlights administrative burdens such as collecting and storing written consents.
A 2025 parliamentary study found that 97% of French people are annoyed by telecommunication marketing calls, a sentiment reflected in the high rate of mobile calls: 72% report being contacted weekly, while 38% hear a call daily.
The new rule aligns France with other European states where cold calling faces restriction, including Germany, Austria, and Italy, and sits against UK practices that allow calls unless the recipient has opted out or is on a statutory blacklist.
