France is officially banning unsolicited telemarketing calls beginning August 11, as part of a new law aimed at protecting consumers from persistent marketing calls and phone scams.
According to the Associated Press, businesses will no longer be allowed to contact consumers for marketing purposes without first obtaining their consent. The legislation comes after years of complaints from French residents who said they were repeatedly targeted by unwanted telemarketing calls.
Previous Opt-Out System Replaced
Before the new law, consumers who did not want to receive telemarketing calls had to register their phone numbers with a government-operated opt-out service.
Under the new rules, that system has effectively been reversed.
Instead of requiring consumers to opt out, businesses must now receive permission before making unsolicited marketing calls. The change is intended to reduce the volume of unwanted calls while making it more difficult for scammers to reach potential victims.
Steep Fines for Violators
The law includes significant financial penalties for those who violate the new restrictions.
Individuals who make illegal telemarketing calls can be fined up to 75,000 euros (approximately $87,000) per call. Companies found violating the law can face fines of up to 375,000 euros (approximately $435,000) per call.
Consumers who receive unsolicited marketing calls will also be able to report them through a government-operated website.
French officials say the new law is designed to give consumers greater control over who can contact them and to crack down on unwanted telemarketing practices.