France
An educational starting point for researching business prospecting in this market.
Understand the starting point.
CNIL explains that professional prospecting may rely on legitimate interest where the offer relates to the person’s profession, with information and a simple, free objection route.
Each approach must identify the organisation and let the recipient refuse further messages. Consumer outreach follows a different consent framework; B2B relevance is not a universal exemption.
CNIL’s October 2026 guidance also addresses reconstructed work addresses. Public source data does not remove the need to assess expectations, proportionality and safeguards before enrichment.
Questions to resolve for a campaign.
- Where is the sender established, and which rules apply to this activity?
- What type of business or individual is the recipient?
- Where did the contact details come from, and what evidence supports their use?
- What does the chosen channel require, including objections and opt-outs?
- Are the policy and its exceptions current, reviewed and applicable to this case?
This page does not cover every channel, sector, regional law or international transfer requirement. A manual action does not create a general exemption.
Official references.
CNIL: Electronic commercial prospectingwww.cnil.frCNIL: Reconstructing professional email addresses, 16 October 2026cnil.frOfficial sources consulted on 5 November 2026. Educational summary; not legal advice or a validated policy.