France just made unwanted telemarketing calls illegal

Unsolicited telemarketing calls became illegal for businesses operating in France as of early August. The only exceptions are calls tied to an existing contract or made with prior written consent, kept on file with proof. Everything else is now prohibited, regardless of industry. A 2025 parliamentary report described telemarketing as "one of those rare issues that unites people in France," where 97 percent find the calls annoying and 38 percent reported getting them daily on their mobiles. Consumer group Que Choisir Ensemble, which pushed for the change, called it "a small revolution" for the sales industry. Its president, Marie-Amandine Stévenin, has long argued against the assumption that anyone at home is a potential customer. "It cannot be stressed enough that peace and quiet is a right," the group said. France's direct-selling trade association was not impressed, calling the rules an administrative burden. Germany and Austria already restrict cold calling. France now requires an invitation before the phone rings.