France enacts ban on cold‑calling telemarketing from August 11

A new French law takes effect on 11 August, prohibiting businesses from contacting consumers by phone without prior consent. The measure, backed by President Emmanuel Macron’s government, aims to curb unsolicited sales calls that affect roughly three‑quarters of the population weekly. Consent may be withdrawn at any time, and calls are still allowed only when a prior contractual relationship exists.

Violations will attract heavy penalties: individuals can be fined up to €75,000 per call and companies up to €375,000 per call. Alice Vilcot, chief of staff at the Directorate‑General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Prevention of Fraud, said the law responds to years of consumer complaints. Similar bans exist in Germany, while the U.S. and U.K. rely on less effective opt‑out registries.