Is It Legal to Record a Zoom Meeting?
Recording a video call triggers the same consent rules as phone calls. Here's how to record meetings lawfully.
It depends on consent and your state. Recording a video meeting captures audio, so state wiretapping laws apply: in one-party-consent states you can generally record a meeting you're in, but in all-party-consent states everyone may need to agree. Workplace, school, and platform rules can add requirements, so announcing the recording is the safest approach.
Recording a video meeting feels routine, but because it captures participants' voices, it falls under the same recording-consent laws as a phone call.
Video meetings are audio recordings too
When you record a Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet session, you're recording conversation audio — which means state wiretapping / call-recording laws apply, just as they do to phone calls. See our guide on whether it's legal to record a phone call for the underlying framework.
One-party vs. all-party consent
In one-party-consent states, you can generally record a meeting you're a participant in. In all-party-consent states, every participant may need to consent. With attendees often spread across multiple states, the strictest applicable rule can effectively govern, so caution is wise.
Other rules that apply
Beyond state law, your employer, school, or organization may have policies on recording, and the meeting platform typically shows a recording indicator and may require host permission. Recording confidential or private meetings can also raise separate confidentiality concerns.
The simple safe practice
The cleanest approach is to announce the recording and get verbal or written agreement at the start — most platforms also notify participants automatically. This is general information; for a sensitive recording (for example, in a dispute), consult a qualified attorney about the relevant states' laws.
This is general information about common U.S. rules and practice. Rules differ by state, city and country and change over time — confirm with an official source for your area before you rely on it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need consent to record a Zoom meeting?
Does Zoom notify people of recording?
What if participants are in different states?
Related answers
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