France’s new law banning unsolicited telemarketing calls goes into effect next week with hefty fines

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 - (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

France is banning unsolicited telemarketing calls under a new law that goes into effect next week aimed at protecting consumers from intrusive sales pitches.

The law, which also aims to shield vulnerable people from fraudulent commercial practices, is backed by President Emmanuel Macron's government and comes into force on Aug. 11.