France is introducing one of Europe’s strictest telemarketing regulations, requiring companies to obtain explicit prior consent before making commercial phone calls to consumers. The new rules take effect on August 11, 2026, replacing the previous Bloctel opt-out system with a mandatory opt-in model designed to better protect consumers from unwanted calls and telephone fraud.
Under the new legislation, businesses may contact consumers for marketing purposes only if they have given clear, informed, and voluntary consent. Silence, pre-ticked boxes, or vague contractual clauses will no longer qualify as valid permission. Consumers will also have the right to withdraw their consent at any time.
The law includes several exceptions. Companies may still contact existing customers regarding active contracts, such as subscription renewals or complementary services. Calls related to newspaper and magazine subscriptions remain permitted. However, telemarketing remains completely prohibited in sectors such as energy renovation, home adaptation for elderly or disabled people, and personal training account (CPF) offers, except in narrowly defined circumstances.
Businesses that violate the new rules face significant penalties. Individuals can be fined up to €75,000, while companies may face fines of up to €375,000. Authorities will also require businesses to maintain proof that valid consent was obtained before placing marketing calls. Consumers will be able to report violations through the government’s SignalConso platform.
French authorities say the reform responds to years of public frustration with intrusive sales calls. Surveys indicate that a large majority of French residents receive unwanted telemarketing calls on a regular basis. Officials believe the new system will significantly reduce nuisance calls while making it more difficult for fraudsters to target vulnerable consumers.
Sources: Associated Press, French Ministry of Economy (DGCCRF), Service-Public.fr.
