Observation & ReportsQuestion 127 of 200

California Penal Code §632 (California Invasion of Privacy Act) generally requires what before a security guard may lawfully audio-record a confidential conversation in California?

a.Consent of all parties to the confidential communication — California is an 'all-party consent' (commonly called 'two-party') state for confidential communications; recording without all-party consent is a misdemeanor and supports civil damages ($5,000 statutory or 3x actual damages)
b.Consent of one party only, following the federal one-party rule, so that a guard who is himself part of the conversation may record it without telling anyone else present that a recording is being made
c.No consent is required for any security recording at all, because a recording made for loss-prevention purposes on premises that are open to the public falls outside the confidential-communication definition the statute uses to define the offence
d.Only a peace officer may obtain the consent needed to record, so a private guard must wait for an officer to arrive and put the question to each of the parties before any audio recording may lawfully begin

Explanation

Penal Code §632 prohibits intentional recording of a 'confidential communication' without the consent of all parties. A confidential communication is one carried on under circumstances reasonably indicating any party desires it to be confined to the parties. Civil remedies under §637.2 include the greater of $5,000 per violation or three times actual damages. For body-worn cameras, audio capture of private conversations (offices, vehicles, back-of-house areas) generally requires consent. Conversations on busy public sales floors or near visible 'audio recording in progress' signage may not qualify as 'confidential.' Federal one-party rule (b) does not displace stricter state law.

Law Reference: Cal. Penal Code §632

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