arnie@tikal.teltone.COM (Arnold Koster) (10/20/87)
In article <550@swlabs.UUCP> jack@swlabs.UUCP (Jack Bonn) writes: > >In article <1073@gumby.wisc.edu>, g-inners@gumby.UUCP (Michael Inners) writes: >> There is precedent for such a rule in that devices designed to record phone >> conversations are required to emit a 'beep' tone to alert the other party. > >I this the case? I thought it was only necessary when there was a chance >that neither party was knowledgeable about the recording device. If either >party (me, if I'm operating the machine) knows it is operating, I thought >that no tone was necessary. > From the Seattle Telephone Directory : RECORDED CALLS REQUIRE A BEEP TONE When you hear a beep tone at about 15-second intervals during a phone conversation, it indicates that the conversation is being recorded. In the State of Washington it is unlawful for any person to record any telephone conversation without first obtaining the consent of ALL the persons engaged in the conversation. In a somewhat related area: UNLAWFUL WIRETAPPING IS SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION It is a crime under Federal law for any person, including a telephone subscriber, to wiretap or otherwise intercept a telephone call, unless that person has first obtained the consent of one of the parties actually participating in the call. Under Washington State law, however, the consent of ALL the parties participating in the call must first be obtained before a telephone conversation can be overheard by a person who is not a party to the call. It then continues with the exceptions for law enforcment agencies, and discusses the imprisonment time and fines that can be used for penalties. THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS: Check with your own local phone company about the requirements in your area, it varies from place to place. Arnie Koster arnie@tikal.Teltone.COM