Quote:
Originally Posted by Dstorm
Some states are "one party", which means only one person in the conversation needs to be aware of the recording. Some states are "two party states" where both persons have to be aware of the recording.
|
Right - I can only speak about PA, since that's the one I know most about. PA is a two-party state, where everyone involved must be aware of the recording, and must consent. If you ever did anything like what was suggested above, you'd definitely need to check the laws of the state where you were doing it.
I had a conversation once with a local security system installer here, who told me that he routinely had to turn away business from people who wanted to have security systems installed (in their own businesses) that recorded audio. Because in PA, if there's a violation of the wiretap laws (which is where this stuff is codified), not only does the person who made the recording get hauled into court, but the installer can be charged as an accessory, as can the distributor who sold the equipment to the installer, as can the manufacturer of the equipment (assuming they're within legal reach). There
are businesses here that have security systems that record audio, and they typically have signs at the entrances that say something like, "By entering these premises, you consent to have video and audio recordings of your activities made, and transmitted to a remote location. If you do not consent to such recording, do not enter these premises". Wouldn't be able to do that with your car, with a cop who's pulled you over...
Yet, you can surreptitiously record all the video you want on your own premises (except for in dressing rooms and stuff - that actually falls under a different law), as long as no audio is recorded. Go figure.
(Again, this applies to PA - your own state's laws may differ...)