Recording & Consent Laws
Privacy & Surveillance
State and local laws about recording audio and video, one-party vs two-party consent requirements, and when recordings can be used as evidence in disputes.
How Recording & Consent Laws Rules Differ by Place
Chicago, IL: Illinois Recording Consent Laws (Chicago)
Heavy RestrictionsIllinois is an all-party consent state for audio recording under 720 ILCS 5/14-2. Recording a private conversation without consent from all parties is a felony. The law was amended in…
Seattle, WA: Recording Laws in Seattle and Washington State
Heavy RestrictionsWashington is a two-party (all-party) consent state under RCW 9.73.030. Recording any private conversation without consent from all parties is a gross misdemeanor. This applies to…
Oakland, CA: Right to Record Police Protected in Oakland
Few RestrictionsOakland Municipal Code § 9.08.270 states that photographing, audio recording or videotaping a police or peace officer in a public place, or from a place the recorder has a right to be…
Denver, CO: Recording Laws in Denver and Colorado
Few RestrictionsColorado is a one-party consent state under CRS 18-9-303. Only one participant in a conversation needs to consent to recording. Eavesdropping on conversations without any party's…
New York, NY: NYC Right to Record Police
Few RestrictionsNew York City law gives anyone the explicit right to record NYPD officers performing police activities and to keep the recording and the device used, with officer interference…
Alameda County, CA: Alameda County Recording & Consent Laws
Some RestrictionsCalifornia is a two-party (all-party) consent state. Recording any confidential communication without all parties' consent is a crime under Penal Code 632. This applies to phone calls…
Cities & Counties with Recording & Consent Laws Rules
43 locations
California
Colorado
Illinois
New York
North Carolina
Washington
Other Privacy & Surveillance Topics
Security Camera Rules
Rules about where residential security cameras can point, whether they can record neighbors' property, audio recording consent requirements, and HOA restrictions on camera placement.
Doorbell Camera Disclosures
Whether residents must disclose video doorbells (Ring, Nest) at entry, audio-recording consent rules, and HOA limits on smart-doorbell installation.
Facial Recognition Ban
City bans on government use of facial-recognition technology, scope (police vs other agencies), exceptions (e.g., still-image post-incident review), and enforcement.
License Plate Readers
Rules governing automated license plate readers (ALPR) operated by police and HOAs, including data-retention limits, sharing restrictions, and audit requirements.