Call Recording Laws in Connecticut 2025
Last Updated: February 17, 2025
Connecticut presents a unique landscape for call recording. Under state law, it is a one-party consent jurisdiction for criminal liability, meaning that if you are a participant in a conversation, your consent alone permits the recording. However, Connecticut also imposes civil liability for recordings made without all-party consent. In this article, we explore the key statutes, potential penalties, and compliance tips to help you navigate Connecticut’s recording laws.
Overview of Connecticut Call Recording Law
Connecticut’s legal framework for recording communications is governed by multiple statutes. Justia’s 50-State Survey notes that while criminal liability follows a one-party consent rule under statutes like Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-189, civil liability may be imposed under Section 52-570d if all parties are not notified and do not consent. This dual approach aims to balance individual privacy rights with practical recording needs.
Is It Legal to Record a Call in Connecticut?
Yes, recording a call in Connecticut is legal if you are a party to the conversation. Under criminal law, your consent is sufficient. However, if you record a conversation without informing all participants, you risk civil action for damages even if no criminal charges are filed.
Connecticut One-Party Consent or All-Party Consent?
Connecticut’s recording law is somewhat dual in nature. For criminal proceedings, it adheres to a one-party consent rule, meaning that you can legally record a conversation if you are a participant. In contrast, civil law can require all-party consent—if you fail to obtain it, the other parties may sue for damages.
Penalties for Illegal Recording in Connecticut
Violating Connecticut’s call recording laws can lead to significant consequences. Criminal violations under the one-party consent provision may result in fines or other sanctions. More critically, if you record a confidential conversation without securing all-party consent, you may face civil lawsuits seeking compensation for damages. These civil claims are designed to protect individual privacy rights.
Federal vs. Connecticut Law
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 2511 permits one-party consent for recording communications. However, Connecticut’s laws introduce an extra layer of protection by allowing for civil liability if all participants are not informed. When dealing with interstate calls, it is advisable to follow the stricter standard to ensure compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Connecticut a one-party consent state?
Yes, for criminal liability, Connecticut allows recording with the consent of one party. However, failure to notify all parties may lead to civil liability.
Can I record calls in Connecticut without informing everyone?
While you can legally record a call as a participant under criminal law, you risk civil lawsuits for not obtaining all-party consent.
What happens if I illegally record someone in Connecticut?
Illegal recording may result in criminal sanctions and, more commonly, civil actions where affected parties can seek damages.
How do Connecticut laws interact with federal recording laws?
Although federal law permits one-party consent, Connecticut’s additional civil liability requirements mean that best practice is to secure consent from all participants.
Additional Resources
For more information, refer to the Justia 50-State Survey on Recording Laws or check our Call Recording Laws by State guide.
The information in this article is intended as a general guide and should not be taken as legal advice. For legal advice, please consult a lawyer.
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