What is it called when you record someone without them knowing?

Answer 1

You are not supposed to do so. I am not a lawyer, but I believe that it is illegal. However, if you do record a conversation, I do not know how the police will know that you did it. You would have to tell them "I recorded a conversation and the other person did not know about it. What are you going to do about my crime?" As a practical matter, I think they would say, "Go away, little boy!" (Or Little Girl, as the case may be)

Answer 2

That is a bootleg recording. Scroll down to related links and look at "Bootleg recording - Wikipedia". Bootleg recording, often called piracy, is stealing a copyrighted recording. I think the questioner is refering to wiretaping (if you are recording a phone conversation) or just audio surveillance if you are secretly placing a recording or transmitting device in the room.

Answer 3

Yes, it is illegal and you need permission or the person informed they are recorded.

Added: (in the US) Not necessarily. The laws of the various states differ on this subject. In many states only the knowledge of one party to the conversation is required - and that one person can be the one recording it. You must check on the law in YOUR particular state.

Answer 4

Yes, certain privacy laws state that you cannot record someone without their permission.

Twelve states require ALL PARTIES to consent to the recording. These are:

California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Washington.

Other states (and federal law) allow recording as long as at least ONE of the parties involved is aware of and consents to the recording. In this case, the person doing the recording meets that requirement.

Wiretaps normally require a warrant since NONE of the parties involved in the conversation would be aware that it's being recorded. However, a recent federal appeals court ruling stated that some warrantless wiretaps are legal.

Answer 5

Recording someone without their knowledge is called covert recording or secretly recording. It is often considered illegal and a violation of privacy laws in many jurisdictions.

Answer 6

That depends on where you are. Different states have different laws. In some places, all parties must give permission. In some places, only one person has to be willing to be recorded.

Answer 7

blackmail :D

Answer 8

No