France bans unsolicited telemarketing calls to protect consumers

France next week will ban 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, enters into force on August 11. 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 law and its potential impact. Watch moreFrench senate to pass a law to ban unsolicited sales calls 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 centres ignored the list. Now, “businesses are prohibited from contacting consumers without their prior consent”, said Alice Vilcot, chief of staff at the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Prevention of Fraud. “That consent can be withdrawn at any time.” The government says the law is a response to years of consumer complaints. Authorities estimate that about three-quarters of people in France receive at least one unsolicited sales call every week, and many receive m...