Posted on 06/20/2008 6:41:07 PM PDT by 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.
It’s illegal to use telephone recording devices (that aren’t dual use) in several US states, (and several countries) without all parties giving consent.
So while anyone using VOIP through a PC can record their calls using some free or very cheap software, it’s technically illegal to specific single use phone recording devices in NJ.
2. It probably is not a feature that many people desire, according to market surveys.
3. Legal entangelments.
the same reason the banks wants to clear checks you write overnight, but hold the ones you deposit for varying lengths of time, up to over a week.
but everybody “desires” a camera...on their phone?
It is not illegal, though its use may be illegal in certain circumstances in some states. As I have looked a little bit for an option, it even appears that cell phone manufacturers have deliberately made their software on PDA’s resistant to this feature.
Tell it to Linda Tripp.
It’s illegal in many places. At least it’s illegal to do it without the consent of the other person.
This is news? Radio Shack has sold telephone recording gear since the late 1970s.
Be sure you check your state law carefully. The law varies widely from state-to-state.
For example, it is legal in MN to record a conversation if at least one party is aware of it.
In FL it is a felony unless all parties are aware. Video without sound, however, is legal.
Linda Tripp got into trouble recording Monica’s girltalk about Bill Clinton because Monica called her from DC (legal) but Tripp received the call on her phone in MD (illegal).
I want a Tazer with a digital camera.
No reason...
Most pocket PCs and PDAs have a record button. You can insert a cheap 1GB SD card into a Dell Axim (for example) and put it in your pocket and it will record for hours.
If you record an incrimnating conversation on your cellphone you’ll have to give the phone to the police. With a pocket PC you can just eject SD card and hand it to them. Not that I’ve ever done such a thing, perish the thought :-).
No reason..."
Mosh Pit + Well-Concealed Tazer = Hours of Fun
“Note, the capability already exists, and it is not illegal.”
Tell it to Linda Tripp.
FWIW Although I have never used it except to test it with a family member for the fun of it, my Nokia 6126 has the capability to record a conversation on the phone itself. I make the call, hit options, and then “record.” I figured it was pretty standard these days given what all they (cell phones) are capable of.
Best Regards
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