Phone spam remains a major plague in France in 2026. Despite new regulations and the planned switch to opt-in in August 2026, the numbers remain alarming. Here is the complete overview.
France, European Spam Champion
According to the Hiya report, France shares with Spain the sad record of the highest phone spam rate in Europe.
Key Figures
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Unwanted call rate (France) | 44% |
| Unwanted unknown calls (global) | ~30% |
| Position in Europe | 1st (tied with Spain) |
| Bloctel registrations | >6 million numbers |
Evolution 2023-2026
An Upward Trend... Then Stabilization
The evolution of phone spam in France follows an interesting curve:
- 2020-2022: Post-Covid explosion with remote work development
- 2023: Historic peak at 44% unwanted calls
- 2024-2025: Stabilization thanks to new regulations
- 2026: Awaiting the impact of opt-in switch (August 2026)
Who Are the Spammers?
Most Affected Sectors
Main sources of unsolicited calls in France:
- Energy renovation (heat pumps, insulation) — now banned
- CPF training — heavily regulated
- Insurance / Mutual
- Energy (alternative suppliers)
- Financial services (credits, investments)
What Changes in 2026
The Switch to Opt-in (August 2026)
The law of June 30, 2025 provides for a radical change: from August 11, 2026, telephone canvassing will be prohibited by default. Only people who have given explicit consent can be contacted.
European Comparison
| Country | Spam Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 🇫🇷 France | 44% | → Stable |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 44% | → Stable |
| 🇬🇧 UK | ~35% | ↓ Declining |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | ~25% | → Stable |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | ~30% | ↑ Rising |
2026-2027 Outlook
What Should Improve
- Opt-in will mechanically reduce call volume
- Anti-spam technologies are improving (AI, STIR/SHAKEN)
- Consumer awareness is increasing
What Remains Concerning
- Spammers adapt (calls from abroad)
- AI facilitates voice scams
- Spoofing remains difficult to combat
FAQ
Why is France so affected?
Several factors: high density of call centers, delay in opt-in adoption, large phone number database, and commercial culture of "cold calling".
Will opt-in solve everything?
It should significantly reduce legitimate spam (French companies). But scams from abroad will persist.
