Yes, Connecticut’s two-party consent law (C.G.S. § 52-570d) requires all parties to a private conversation to consent before recording. Violations may result in civil penalties up to $5,000 and criminal misdemeanor charges. The statute applies to in-person and electronic communications, including phone calls and video chats, with no exceptions for law enforcement without a warrant.
Key Regulations for Two-Party Consent Recording in Connecticut
- All-Party Consent Requirement: State law mandates explicit consent from every participant in a private communication, whether oral, written, or electronic. Recordings made without consent are inadmissible as evidence in civil or criminal proceedings.
- Scope of Coverage: The law extends to conversations where at least one party has a reasonable expectation of privacy, including business meetings, therapy sessions, and private phone calls. Public spaces (e.g., streets, parks) are exempt unless participants have a clear expectation of confidentiality.
- Penalties and Enforcement: The Connecticut Attorney General’s Office and local prosecutors actively pursue violations. Recent 2026 guidance from the AG’s Cybercrimes Unit emphasizes stricter scrutiny of workplace recordings and AI-assisted transcription tools that may inadvertently capture non-consenting parties.
Practical Implications for Compliance: Businesses must implement clear policies, including signage in meeting rooms and written consent forms for recordings. Failure to comply risks litigation, regulatory fines, and reputational damage. Consult the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection for sector-specific guidance.