Call Recording: Is it right or wrong to record a call? What legal action can be taken?

Nowadays, the call recording feature has become normal in smartphones. Many people use it to keep proof of someone's conversation or to keep official conversations safe. However, a question often arises as to whether recording a call is legally correct. Can there be punishment for this?

Here we will tell you what are the rules and regulations related to call recording in India, and under what circumstances it can be considered illegal.

Is recording a call completely illegal?

Recording a call is not completely illegal, but it has some conditions. If you have made a call with the consent of the other person, then recording the call is legal. If you record someone's call without informing them, then it can be considered a violation of the right to privacy, and legal action can be taken.

What does the law say in India?

Under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act, 2000, recording a call without permission and then using it against someone or posting it on social media is considered a crime. This can also come under the category of spying, fraud, or blackmail.

What can be the punishment?
If you record someone's call without permission and misuse it, then action can be taken against you under these sections.

IPC section 354D in case of stalking, IT Act section 66E for violating privacy, and IPC sections 499 and 500 for defamation. There can be a jail term of up to 3 years or a fine.

When is call recording legally correct?
When both the persons agree to call recording. In office or customer care calls, where it is told in advance. This call is being recorded for quality and training purposes. Apart from this, for its own safety or legal evidence (but its use should be limited).

Silent recording and sharing is dangerous.

Recording someone's call and then uploading it on social media, sending it to others, and using it for threatening or blackmailing, all these things are serious crimes and can affect both your social image and future.

Call recording apps and data theft.

Nowadays many third-party apps record calls and can upload your information to the server without telling you. This can be a big reason for data leaks. Always use trusted apps and keep checking the phone settings.

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