I capture audio so I can transcribe a conversation locally. Even if you do not keep the finalized audio file, the capture may still be treated as a recording under applicable law.

Tell every participant before Listening starts and obtain the consent required in every relevant location. The safest default is explicit consent from everyone.

This guide provides general safety information, not legal advice. Recording, interception, privacy, employment, education, and sector-specific rules vary by location and situation.

Recording laws are often described using two broad categories:

  • One-party consent: a participant may be able to record when that participant consents. A non-participant generally cannot rely on this without consent from a participant.
  • All-party consent: everyone covered by the applicable law must consent before the conversation is recorded.

The details and exceptions vary. Calls across state or national borders can involve more than one jurisdiction, and the stricter rule may apply. Do not rely on the meeting platform, meeting organizer, or your physical location alone to decide.

For U.S. background, review the Reporters Committee recording guide and Justia's 50-state survey. Check current official law or ask qualified counsel for your situation.

  1. Put a recording and transcription notice in the invitation when possible.
  2. Repeat the notice before Listening begins.
  3. Ask participants for clear consent.
  4. Start Listening only after you have the required consent.
  5. If consent is withdrawn, stop Listening and handle the captured material according to the applicable request and law.

Example notice:

I use Shadow to record and transcribe this conversation for my notes. Is everyone comfortable with that?

Do not use Shadow for conversations you are not authorized to capture. Take extra care with confidential, privileged, medical, financial, employment, educational, or children's information.