SlateDo I need consent to record a conversation?
Often, yes, and it depends on where you are. Rules about recording conversations differ between countries, and sometimes between regions of the same country. Workplaces, schools and universities often have their own recording policies on top of the law.
Because Slate makes recording easy on iPhone, Apple Watch and Mac, the simplest habit is the same everywhere: tell people before you start, and only record if they agree.
Does one person's consent count, or does everyone need to agree?
Recording rules broadly fall into two kinds. Which one applies depends on where you and the other people are:
In some places it is enough that one participant, which can be you, agrees to the recording.
In other places, every person in the conversation has to agree before it is recorded.
When people join a call from different places, more than one set of rules can be involved. Asking everyone covers you in both cases.
Why does recording consent matter when Slate records without a bot?
Slate for Mac records Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams and Webex calls directly on your computer. No bot joins the call, so nobody sees a "notetaker has joined" message, and Slate does not announce the recording to other participants. On iPhone and Apple Watch, Slate records through the microphone, which people in the room may not notice either.
That makes telling people your job. Do it before you press record, every time. See how to record Zoom meetings on a Mac for the setup itself.
How do I tell people I'm recording with Slate?
- Before the meeting: mention in the calendar invite or agenda that you'd like to record and transcribe the call for notes.
- At the start of a call: say it out loud before you start recording, and give people a moment to object. Repeat it in the meeting chat for anyone who joins late or can't hear well.
- When someone joins late: let them know the call is being recorded.
- In person: say it, and keep your iPhone on the table where people can see it.
- In lectures and classes: ask the lecturer, and check your school's or university's rules on recording teaching.
- In interviews: ask again once the recording is running, so the agreement is part of the recording.
What can I say to ask for consent to record?
Keep it short and give a reason. You can adapt these:
- Start of a video call
Before we start, is it OK if I record this call? I use an app to transcribe it so I can focus instead of taking notes. I'll share the notes afterwards.
- Calendar invite
I'd like to record and transcribe this meeting for notes. If you'd rather I didn't, just reply and I won't.
- Interview
I've started recording now. Can you confirm you're happy for this conversation to be recorded and transcribed?
- Lecture
Would you mind if I record today's lecture for my own study notes?
What should I do if someone doesn't want to be recorded?
Don't record. Take notes by hand instead, or ask whether part of the conversation can be recorded. If you already recorded something you shouldn't have, delete it: deleting a recording in Slate also deletes the copy on our servers. Our security page explains how Slate handles audio.
Where can I check the recording rules that apply to me?
Look for official sources for the country or region where you and the other participants are, such as government websites or the national data protection authority. Your employer, school or university can tell you about their own recording policies. For anything specific or high stakes, ask a lawyer.
Not legal advice. Ravenna Tech UG (haftungsbeschränkt), the company behind Slate, provides this page as general information. It isn't a statement of the law anywhere and doesn't replace advice from a lawyer.
Related pages
Record with everyone on board
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