3 weeks ago
France to ban unsolicited telemarketing calls starting next week
France is making a new rule to stop annoying sales calls.
Starting on August 11, companies can't call people to sell things unless the person says it's okay first.
Before this rule, people had to put their phone number on a special list to stop the calls, but some companies called anyway.
Now, companies that call without permission could have to pay a very big fine.
The rule protects people from calls that are pushy or even tricky and fake.
There are some exceptions — for example, a company you already buy from might call you with a new offer.
People can also report bad calls on a government website.
Some workers in Morocco are worried because many call centers there do work for French companies, and the new rule could put a lot of jobs at risk.
Other countries do things differently — Germany has a similar rule, while the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom use 'do not call' lists people can join.
France will ban unsolicited telemarketing calls starting Aug. 11, requiring businesses to obtain prior consumer consent.
The law, backed by President Emmanuel Macron's government and approved by Parliament last year, imposes fines of up to 375,000 euros ($435,000) per call on companies.
Authorities estimate about three-quarters of people in France receive at least one unsolicited sales call every week.
Morocco's employment minister, Younes Sekkouri, warned the ban could put 40,000 to 50,000 call-center jobs at risk, as the French market accounts for more than 80% of the sector's revenue.
France joins Germany, which has had a similar ban since 2009, while the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom rely on opt-out 'Do Not Call' systems.
- Who
- The French government, with a law backed by President Emmanuel Macron, targeting telemarketing companies and protecting consumers.
- What
- A ban on unsolicited telemarketing calls that requires businesses to obtain prior consumer consent, with heavy fines for violations.
- Where
- France; the ban also affects call centers in Morocco, and the article compares systems in Germany, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
- When
- The law enters into force on Aug. 11; Parliament approved it last year.
- Why
- To protect consumers from intrusive sales pitches and fraudulent commercial practices after years of complaints about unwanted calls.
Consumer protection advocates
Call-center industry and employment concerns
Ban vs. jobs at risk in Morocco
Consumer protection advocates
The ban protects consumers from relentless harassment and fraudulent calls, and 11 consumer organizations had publicly demanded it.
Call-center industry and employment concerns
Morocco warns the ban could cost 40,000-50,000 call-center jobs, since the French market provides more than 80% of the sector's revenue.
Opt-in consent vs. opt-out registries
Consumer protection advocates
Requiring explicit prior consent (opt-in) is the strongest protection for consumers and ends unwanted calls entirely.
Call-center industry and employment concerns
Opt-out 'Do Not Call' lists used in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are a proven, less disruptive alternative for businesses.
Key facts
- Law effective date
- August 11 (next week)
- Maximum fine per call - individuals
- 75,000 euros ($87,000)
- Maximum fine per call - companies
- 375,000 euros ($435,000)
- French people receiving weekly unsolicited calls
- About three-quarters
- Consumer organizations calling for ban (2024)
- 11
- Moroccan call-center jobs at risk
- 40,000-50,000
- Previous fine on Ireland-based company
- 6 million euros
- Germany ban in force since
- 2009
Quotes
Alice Vilcot
chief of staff at the Directorate‑General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Prevention of Fraud
“businesses are prohibited from contacting consumers without their prior consent, and that consent can be withdrawn at any time.”
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