Data Protection & Freedom of Information Office

Recording of Conversations

Under data protection legislation, a audio or video recording of a conversation where any individual can be identified from the recording and/or the conversation is the personal data of that individual.

You must have an appropriate lawful basis for recording the conversation and individuals must be aware that they are being recording. Consent will likely be the most relevant basis for processing.

If an individual does not know in advance that his or her conversation is being recorded, and a lawful basis for processing has not been identified, then that individual's rights to 'fair and lawful processing' will be breached.