On Thu, 05 Jun 2008 19:42:59 +0000, Phil Reynolds passed an empty day by
writing:
> What is the legal position on recording telephone calls where there is a
> possibility that the conversation could constitute a contract?
>
> Is it required that the other party is aware of the recording?
>
> If they are not, does that render the recording unusable for proving the
> content of the call - that they said something, if they later dispute
> it?
Funny question, and one that I have a bit of experience with. I record
all calls (have a PC set up recording 1 X PSTN and 3 X VOIP). It came in
very handy when I had some issues with Sky who just did not want me to
cancel.
To cut a long story short there was a dispute, they claimed I owed them a
couple of months money, I said I had cancelled. Letters back and forward
including a recording of the call. They got a bit irate saying I had not
made them aware that calls were recorded. I pointed them to the first
portion of the call where their own system warned ME that calls may be
recorded. With this in mind it was reasonable that the member of staff
was aware that he was being recorded by someone.
So, if you are recording someone and have already heard the disclaiming
magic words Calls may be recorded when the call is set up - it is fair
to say you are covered. Other than that I tell people that all calls are
recorded.
Further to this a family member was given an on the spot fine for calling
when he was drunk and threatening to shoot us all. He was not told that
he was recorded but the Police were happy to use the recording to issue
the ticket. If it would have held up in court I dont know.