France bans unsolicited telemarketing calls, with hefty fines for violators

France has banned unsolicited telemarketing calls under a new law aimed at protecting consumers from intrusive sales pitches and shielding vulnerable people from fraudulent commercial practices.

France has banned unsolicited telemarketing calls under a new law aimed at protecting consumers from intrusive sales pitches and shielding vulnerable people from fraudulent commercial practices.

The law backed by President Emmanuel Macron’s government entered into force Tuesday.

While several countries have tried opt-out systems, France is hoping more muscular obligatory opt-in rules will be more effective.

Here’s a look at the measure and its potential impact.

Previously in France, people who wanted to avoid marketing calls had to register their number with a government-run service, but consumer groups said some call centers ignored the list.