Telemarketing: The ban in France now has an official date

Sales calls are invading the daily lives of many French people, often at the most inconvenient times. Between enticing promises and persistent sales tactics, weariness is growing. A new measure could, however, change the situation: an official date has now been set.

Do you also jump when an unknown number pops up on your screen while you're preparing dinner? Between "exceptional" electricity or gas offers and "unmissable" insurance policies, sales calls have become a part of our daily lives. But a recent announcement could well change everything… A date has finally been set, and it promises a real turning point. So, what will actually happen?

August 11, 2026: The end of telemarketing without consent

It's official: Law No. 2025-594 of June 30, 2025 marks a major change. From August 11, 2026, a company will no longer be able to call you for marketing purposes without your explicit and prior consent.

In practical terms, this means a shift from a system of opting out (like Bloctel) to a mandatory opt-in system. Until now, you had to register to block calls. From now on, it will be the other way around: your number will no longer be automatically blocked.

And be warned, there's no room for vague consent! It must be freely given, specific, informed, unambiguous, and revocable. Pre-checked boxes or clauses buried in terms and conditions will no longer suffice. In short, if you haven't given your explicit consent, it's a no.

A real game-changer for sales prospecting in France.

Which calls will actually be blocked? One might wonder: will all calls simply vanish into thin air?

From August 11, 2026, calls aimed at selling electricity or gas contracts, insurance, internet or mobile subscriptions, home renovations, or any other service intended for individuals will become illegal without prior consent.

Given that approximately 7 out of 10 French people report receiving at least one sales call per week, the scale of the problem becomes clear. This reform clearly aims to put an end to widespread annoyance.

But your phone won't become completely silent.

The following will still be permitted:

Calls related to an existing contract (for example, your current insurer).

Calls from companies for which you have given explicit consent.

Non-commercial calls: government agencies, schools, appointment reminders, or healthcare professionals.

The goal is not to cut off all communication, but to give consumers back control.

Why wait until August 2026?

This is a question that often comes up: why not implement the measure immediately?

The answer is primarily technical. August 11, 2026, marks the end of the contract between the French government and the Bloctel operator. Setting this date avoids financial penalties and gives companies time to adapt their databases and internal procedures.

Until then, the current rules remain in effect:

Calls are only permitted Monday through Friday.

Restricted hours: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Calls are prohibited on weekends and public holidays.

A maximum of four calls per 30 days per business.

This framework is still imperfect, but it already allows you to assert your rights in case of abuse.

What are the penalties for non-compliance?

Good news: the law provides for dissuasive penalties.

Companies that fail to comply with the consent requirement risk fines of up to 20% of their annual revenue in France. For an individual, the penalty can reach €500,000.

Inspections will be carried out by the DGCCRF (French Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control). This will send a strong message.

However, some practices will remain more difficult to regulate, particularly calls originating from call centers located abroad or using spoofed numbers. Vigilance will therefore remain essential.

Our tips for peace of mind now

While waiting for 2026, you can already significantly reduce the nuisance.

First step: activate spam filters on your smartphone. On both iPhones and Android devices, you can filter unknown calls, block withheld numbers, and activate automatic identification of unwanted calls. Activate these options in your phone's settings so they are always active. It's simple and effective.

Remember to stay registered with Bloctel, which is active until August 2026.

For suspicious text messages or calls, you can report them to 33700: this free service allows you to forward the number to the platform for combating voice and SMS spam.

Finally, be vigilant when participating in online contests, requesting free quotes, or using a comparison tool.