Call Recording Laws in Ohio 2025
Last Updated: February 17, 2025
Ohio is a one-party consent state. This means that if you are a participant in a conversation, your consent alone permits you to legally record the call. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2933.52, recording is allowed as long as one party consents, provided the recording is not made for the purpose of committing a crime or tortious act. In this article, you will learn about Ohio’s consent requirements, the penalties for illegal recordings, and practical tips for compliance.
Overview of Ohio Call Recording Law
Ohio’s call recording laws are governed by the state’s Revised Code. According to Ohio Rev. Code § 2933.52, it is legal to record a telephone or electronic communication if at least one party to the conversation consents. This one-party consent rule applies to most recordings, ensuring that as long as you are involved in the call, you may record it legally.
Is It Legal to Record a Call in Ohio?
Yes. Recording a call in Ohio is legal as long as you are an active participant in the conversation. Your consent authorizes the recording, and you do not need to obtain consent from the other party. However, recording a conversation in which you are not involved is prohibited.
Ohio One-Party Consent
Ohio adheres to a one-party consent policy. This means that if you are a party to a communication, your consent is sufficient to record it. It is important to note that this exception does not apply if the recording is done for criminal or tortious purposes.
Penalties for Illegal Recording in Ohio
Violating Ohio’s call recording laws can result in significant legal consequences. Unauthorized recording may lead to criminal charges, which are classified as felonies in certain circumstances, and can result in fines, imprisonment, and civil liability for damages.
Federal vs. Ohio Law
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 2511 requires one-party consent, which aligns with Ohio’s standard. However, if a call involves parties from states with different consent requirements, it is best practice to obtain consent from all parties to ensure compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ohio a one-party consent state?
Yes. In Ohio, if you are a participant in the conversation, your consent alone is sufficient to legally record the call.
Can I record calls in Ohio without informing the other party?
Yes, provided you are part of the conversation. Recording a call in which you are not involved is illegal.
What are the penalties for illegal recording in Ohio?
Illegal recording in Ohio can result in felony charges, fines, imprisonment, and civil liability if proper consent is not obtained.
How do federal and Ohio recording laws compare?
Both federal law and Ohio law require one-party consent for recording communications. However, for calls spanning multiple jurisdictions, it’s safest to secure consent from all parties.
Additional Resources
For further details, refer to Ohio Revised Code Section 2933.52 or visit 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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