Legal Disclaimer
Responsible Use of Recording Devices
All RecorderGear products are sold for lawful, legitimate purposes only. Our devices are designed for legal applications including personal note-taking, meeting documentation with consent, lecture recording, home security, and workplace monitoring in compliance with applicable laws.
We do not support or condone the use of our products for any illegal purpose, including unauthorized surveillance, privacy violations, or any activity that violates federal, state, or local laws.
It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable recording laws in your jurisdiction before using any RecorderGear product.
Audio Recording Laws: What You Need to Know
Recording audio conversations is governed by strict federal and state laws. These laws are taken seriously by authorities, and failure to comply can result in severe legal consequences, including criminal charges and civil liability.
Federal Law
Under federal law, audio recording requires "One Party Consent." This means:
- At least one person involved in the conversation must consent to the recording
- The person doing the recording must be a participant in the conversation
- You cannot record conversations between other people without at least one party's knowledge and consent
State Laws Vary
While federal law requires one-party consent, many states have stricter laws requiring all parties to consent to audio recording. State law applies when all parties to the conversation are located within that state.
Always check your state's current laws before recording any conversation.
State-by-State Recording Consent Requirements
One-Party Consent States
In these states, only one person involved in the conversation needs to consent to the recording (and that person can be the one doing the recording, as long as they are a participant):
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Two-Party (All-Party) Consent States
In these states, all parties involved in the conversation must be notified and consent to the recording:
California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington
Video Recording Considerations
Video recording laws differ from audio recording laws:
- Video recording (without audio) in public spaces is generally legal
- Video recording on private property may require the property owner's consent
- Recording video with audio is subject to the audio recording consent laws listed above
- Hidden camera laws vary by state and situation
- Always research applicable laws for your specific use case
Important Legal Warnings
Surreptitious Recording: Recording conversations without proper consent is illegal in many jurisdictions and can result in criminal prosecution and civil lawsuits.
Workplace Recording: Recording in workplace environments may be subject to additional restrictions under employment law, company policy, and union agreements.
Interstate Calls: When recording phone calls or video conferences involving people in different states, the strictest applicable state law generally applies.
Laws Change: Recording laws are subject to change. The information provided here is for general reference only and should not be considered legal advice.
Your Responsibility
Before using any RecorderGear recording device, you must:
- Research and understand the recording laws in your state and any other applicable jurisdictions
- Obtain proper consent as required by law
- Use recording devices only for lawful purposes
- Respect the privacy rights of others
- Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws
RecorderGear is not responsible for any illegal or improper use of our products. By purchasing and using our devices, you agree to use them lawfully and assume full responsibility for compliance with all applicable laws.
Need Legal Guidance?
The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Recording laws are complex and vary by jurisdiction and situation.
If you have questions about whether your intended use is legal, consult with an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction before recording.
For questions about RecorderGear products or general recording best practices, contact us at support@recordergear.com.
Report Errors or Updates
Recording laws change periodically. If you are aware of any changes or errors in the information provided above, please contact us at support@recordergear.com so we can update this page.
Last Updated: [Insert Date]
RecorderGear: Advanced Tech. Everyday Peace of Mind.
We are committed to providing professional-grade recording tools for legitimate, lawful use. Use our products responsibly and in compliance with all applicable laws.