Index
Surveillance and RecordingCalifornia

California Penal Code Section 632

Summary

California is a two-party (all-party) consent state, making it illegal to record confidential communications without the consent of everyone involved.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    You have the right to refuse to be recorded during private conversations.
  • 02.
    You can sue for damages if someone records your private conversation without your knowledge.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Fines up to $2,500 per violation
  • 02.
    Imprisonment in county jail or state prison for up to one year
  • 03.
    Civil damages of $5,000 per violation or three times actual damages

Verified Citations

California Penal Code § 632

Source
"Every person who, intentionally and without the consent of all parties to a confidential communication... eavesdrops upon or records the confidential communication..."