Call Recording Laws in Utah 2025
Last Updated: February 17, 2025
Utah is a one-party consent state. This means that if you are an active participant in a conversation, your consent alone authorizes you to legally record the call. Under Utah Code Ann. § 77-23a-4, recording is permitted as long as one party consents, provided the recording is not made for criminal or tortious purposes. In this article, you will learn about Utah’s consent requirements, the penalties for illegal recordings, and practical tips for compliance.
Overview of Utah Call Recording Law
Utah's call recording laws allow individuals to record telephone and electronic communications if at least one party to the conversation consents. Utah Code Ann. § 77-23a-4 outlines that it is illegal to record or disseminate any communication without the consent of at least one person involved, except when such recording is done for lawful purposes.
Is It Legal to Record a Call in Utah?
Yes, recording a call in Utah is legal as long as you are a participant in the conversation. Your consent alone is sufficient to authorize the recording. However, recording a conversation in which you are not involved may violate state law.
Utah One-Party Consent
In Utah, the law follows a one-party consent rule. If you are involved in the conversation, your consent is enough to record it legally. This provision is intended to allow you to document your own communications without needing permission from others, as long as the recording is not used for unlawful purposes.
Penalties for Illegal Recording in Utah
Violating Utah’s call recording laws can lead to serious legal consequences. Unauthorized recording may result in criminal charges, which can include fines and imprisonment, as well as civil liability for invasion of privacy.
Federal vs. Utah Law
Federal law under 18 U.S.C. § 2511 requires one-party consent for recording communications, which aligns with Utah’s legal standard. However, if your call involves parties from states with different consent requirements, it is advisable to secure consent from all participants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Utah a one-party consent state?
Yes. In Utah, if you are a participant in the conversation, your consent alone is sufficient to legally record the call.
Can I record calls in Utah without informing the other party?
Yes, as long as 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 Utah?
Illegal recording in Utah can result in criminal charges, fines, imprisonment, and civil liability.
How do federal and Utah recording laws compare?
Both federal law and Utah law require one-party consent for recording communications. For multi-state calls, obtaining consent from all parties is recommended.
Additional Resources
For more information, refer to Utah Code Ann. § 77-23a-4 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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