The right to object under Article 21 GDPR lets you refuse use of your data for direct marketing, including commercial emails, texts, calls and post. Unlike Article 17 erasure, objection primarily stops future use; it does not necessarily remove a broker profile already sold elsewhere. In France, SignalConso, SMS reporting and Robinson lists complement the GDPR. Bloctel ends on 11 August 2026, with the move to prior consent for telephone marketing.
At a glance
- Article 21 GDPR: a free right to object to direct marketing without having to justify your decision.
- Timing: the organisation must stop marketing use without undue delay; it normally has one month to inform you of the action taken.
- Erasure and objection differ: to remove a broker profile, combine Article 17 with removal requests where applicable.
- France: the end of Bloctel on 11 August 2026 moves the focus to opt-in and SignalConso, alongside 33700 SMS reporting and email unsubscribe mechanisms.
- Map your exposure: a scan helps identify who holds your data.
Objection, erasure and access
| Right | Article | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Access | 15 | Find out what is processed |
| Erasure | 17 | Delete data where the conditions apply |
| Objection | 21 | Stop a use, such as direct marketing |
| Restriction | 18 | Pause certain processing while an issue is examined |
For a broker database reselling a profile, erasure is often more appropriate than objection alone. For a brand where you have an account, objection and unsubscribing may be sufficient. An organisation may retain minimal suppression data to make sure your objection continues to be respected; see the CNIL's explanation.
For access requests, read our GDPR right of access guide.
How to write an objection
Subject: Objection to processing for direct marketing, Article 21 GDPR
Dear Sir or Madam,
I object to the processing of my personal data for direct marketing by email, text, phone or post. Please stop all marketing contact and do not pass my contact details to marketing partners. I remain reachable for legal obligations relating to any ongoing contract.
[Full name, email, date]
Send it by email and keep an acknowledgement, or by registered post if there is no response. The CNIL provides an objection template.
Specific options in France
Bloctel, closure and SignalConso
Bloctel, the telephone marketing opt-out register, ends on 11 August 2026. The framework changes to prior consent, rather than relying on registration on a list. Bloctel is therefore no longer the applicable reporting route for calls received after that date.
You can still document and report abusive or unlawful marketing through SignalConso. The Data Knight tool below helps check a number using ARCEP information and web reports and prepare a report. See what changes in August 2026.
Stop unwanted marketing
Check for free who just called you. Data Knight helps you report abusive sales calls.
From 11 August 2026, companies can no longer call you without your consent.
Unwanted text messages
Forward unwanted texts to 33700. Reporting helps identify abusive campaigns. See Signal Spam.
Marketing emails
Use the unsubscribe link. If messages continue, send an Article 21 objection, then follow up or complain to the CNIL where needed.
Advertising by post
The Robinson opt-out list concerns addressed postal advertising.
Why unwanted contact may continue
- Data was sold before your objection and new buyers hold it.
- Some companies outside the EU are difficult to reach.
- Marketing is presented as information, for example partner newsletters.
- Spammers reuse breached data without respecting the normal rules.
This is why addressing the source at data brokers through removal requests can help.
Online advertising opt-outs
Browser settings and advertising opt-out registers do not replace exercising GDPR rights over contact databases.
See also: Article 17 erasure · Article 15 access · Advertising opt-outs · Personal data resale · Unanswered broker requests
