Unwanted calls remain a challenge

Despite new laws passed on August 11, 2026, which require companies to get permission before calling consumers, telephone solicitation is still a common problem for many people.

Smartphone settings can block calls

One way to manage unwanted calls is by creating a contact labeled "Unwanted Calls" on a smartphone and adding specific number prefixes linked to commercial calls. These include numbers like 0162*, 0163*, and others, as well as overseas prefixes such as 09475* to 09479*. Blocking this contact on devices like iPhone and Android can help stop calls from these numbers.

Legal right to oppose data use

Consumers can also use their legal rights under the General Data Protection Regulation, specifically Article 21, to tell callers they oppose the processing of their personal data. This usually ends the call and may result in the caller removing the number from their records.

Handling unwanted SMS and fraud

For unwanted text messages, blocking the sender and forwarding the message to 33 700 allows telecom operators to take action against abusive senders. Other tools like the Orange Telephone app and Incogni have been tested for filtering or removing personal data from third-party databases, though their effectiveness varies.

Some tools no longer available

Bloctel, a former government-run opt-out service for unwanted calls, has shut down due to security concerns. While these methods help reduce the number of unwanted calls, completely eliminating them remains difficult.