Why don't cell phones include a conversation recorder option?

Self | 20 June, 2008 | Marktwain

[marktwain]

There is a considerable demand for a feature on cell phones that would record conversations. Given today's technology and cheap memory, it would be very easy. Moreover, It would be legal in the approximately 37 states and the Federal government that allow recording of conversations when a person involved in the conversation approves of it.

It would be an excellent tool for recording conversations with "customer service" who record us all the time, and for any official or contractual conversations where matters of law might be involved.

Manufacturers of cell phones seem to have gone to considerable lengths to insure that recording is difficult. It is even difficult to hook your cell phone up to an answering machine if you wish to have longer recorded messages than your voice mail allows.

There are now at least two companies that sell services that allow you to record all of your cell phone or regular phone conversations. The recordings are digital and can be accessed over the net, but they cost from 15 cents to 37 cents per minute, with monthly fees as well.

Here is a link to one of them:

http://www.callrecordercard.net/card_details.php

I ask for knowlegable FR denizens to offer rational explanations. Perhaps liability law? That seems unlikely to me, as plenty of recording technology already exists, and we don't see recorder companies being sued.

I have a great respect for the expertise that exists on Freerepublic.

Thank you for your help on this irritating issue.

[marktwain]

Recording conversations would be a very useful tool in a cell phone. Why isn't it there? I think the market would bring it out.

[Southerngl]

Hey, wouldn’t their disclaimer of ‘This phone call may be recorded” count as a disclaimer?

[marktwain]

Excuse me for adding “banglist” to the keywords, but I think the banglist readers are some of the most astute freepers, and I value their expertise.

[marktwain]

Yes, if they give a disclaimer that the call is being recorded, they obviously have no objection to it being recorded, and understand that it may be.

[ROTB]

>they obviously have no objection to it being recorded

... so long as they can destroy it at will if it proves them liable for something.

[NonValueAdded]

Why not just ask the NSA to email you the mp3 of your call? :)

[marktwain]

“Why not just ask the NSA to email you the mp3 of your call? :)”

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Because they have lousy customer service! ;) I got into the habit of assuming all my calls could be recorded after living a few years in Panama. I still think it is a healthy practice.

[Dark Knight]

Each state has different recording laws. In my state all parties have to agree to being recorded. It would be a legal nightmare.

DK

[marktwain]

“Each state has different recording laws. In my state all parties have to agree to being recorded. It would be a legal nightmare”

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For who? It would be optional, and people can record conversations now. You could easily give an option to note that the call was being recorded.

[mad_as_he$$]

Very wise also.....about every RF emission in the country is recorded somewhere. Thank goodness they do not have the man or computing power to analyze it all.

[Freedom4US]

Have you ever tried it? I have, - both times when the phone jockey was informed that both parties, not just them would be recording they terminated the call. Its worth it just to hear them squirm.

[marktwain]

As we have already lost most of our privacy in this country, we should at least be able to record our interactions as much as the government can.

All 911 calls are recorded. Many government offices record all calls. I just want the ability to have my own record of what was said.

[CtBigPat]

Radio Shack sells adapters to connect your headphone jack to a tape recorder.

http://www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2032087&cp=2032052.2032075.2032076

[magellan]

"Recording conversations would be a very useful tool in a cell phone. Why isn't it there"

Uh, legal reasons? Not every state has single-party consent in its laws.

[Dark Knight]

“Each state has different recording laws. In my state all parties have to agree to being recorded. It would be a legal nightmare”
For who? It would be optional, and people can record conversations now. You could easily give an option to note that the call was being recorded.<<

Probably not for you, you sound like you can be aware of the rules. I received a call this month where the caller told me at the end of the call it was being recorded, I advised them it was illegal to record me at the beginning with out advising me, they replied it was according to their screen.

My only hope was INTERPOL intervening in India.

LOL

DK

[marktwain]

“Uh, legal reasons? Not every state has single-party consent in its laws.’

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No, but most do, and it is not up to cell phone manufacturers and cell phone companies to enforce state law. The capability already exists to record. For some reason, cell phone manufacturers have made it inconvenient.

[marktwain]

“Radio Shack sells adapters to connect your headphone jack to a tape recorder.”

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Note, the capability already exists, and it is not illegal.

[stylin19a]

Whenever I talk to someone after the recorded: “This call may be recorded...”, I ask them to repeat their name, then ask them to spell it, then I advise them that since you have given me permission to record the call, please hang on a second while I turn on my recorder.

I seem to get better service than I expected.

[B4Ranch]

Lots of times when someone is about to give me details that are important, I will ask if they mind if I tape the call because I don’t have a pencil handy. I have never had anyone say no.

[A CA Guy]

It is illegal to record at all in some states.

In other states you have to inform the other side you are recording and they have to say they are OK.

In some states you can record you head off.

The phones often offer a voice message ability, but for legal reasons stay out of the conversation recording business.