Last Updated: January 2026 | Verified against current Connecticut Statutes
Quick Answer
Connecticut has a mixed consent approach to recording laws – one of the most unique in the country. For in-person conversations, Connecticut follows one-party consent rules. However, for telephone conversations, Connecticut requires all-party consent. This distinction makes Connecticut both a one-party AND two-party consent state depending on the situation.
Class D Felony – up to 5 years prison, $5,000 fine
Civil Liability
Damages + litigation costs + attorney’s fees
Understanding Connecticut’s Mixed Consent Rules
Why Connecticut Is Different
Connecticut is one of the few states that treats in-person and telephone recordings differently. This can be confusing, so let’s break it down clearly:
Type of Recording
Consent Required
Governing Law
In-Person Conversations
One-party (you can record if you’re part of it)
§ 53a-187 (Eavesdropping)
Telephone Calls
All-party (everyone must consent)
§ 52-570d (Telephone Recording)
Video (no audio)
Generally permitted in non-private areas
Common law privacy
The Legal Foundation
Connecticut’s recording laws are governed by two primary statutes:
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53a-189 – Criminal penalties for eavesdropping violations
Recording In-Person Conversations in Connecticut
One-Party Consent Applies
For face-to-face, in-person conversations, Connecticut follows one-party consent rules. This means:
You CAN record a conversation you’re participating in without telling the other parties
You CANNOT record a conversation you’re not part of (that would be eavesdropping)
A third party cannot record your conversation without at least one participant’s consent
When In-Person Recording Is Legal
Recording a meeting you’re attending
Recording a conversation with your landlord, employer, or business partner
Recording interactions where you’re a participant
Recording in public places where there’s no expectation of privacy
When In-Person Recording Is Illegal
Placing a hidden recording device to capture others’ conversations when you’re not present
Recording private conversations between other people without their knowledge
Installing surveillance equipment to eavesdrop on private communications
Recording Phone Calls in Connecticut
All-Party Consent Required
This is where Connecticut’s law becomes strict. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-570d, recording a telephone conversation requires one of the following:
Written consent from all parties, obtained before or at the start of recording
Verbal consent from all parties, recorded at the beginning of the call
Automatic warning tone – a distinct signal repeated every 15 seconds during the recording
Important: Simply being a participant in the call does NOT give you the right to record it without the other parties’ consent.
Consequences of Recording Phone Calls Without Consent
Civil lawsuit for damages
Payment of the victim’s litigation costs
Payment of the victim’s attorney’s fees
The recording is inadmissible as evidence in Connecticut courts
Recording Calls Across State Lines
When making calls involving other states:
If calling FROM Connecticut to a one-party state: Connecticut’s stricter phone recording rules likely apply
If calling TO Connecticut from another state: Connecticut residents are protected by § 52-570d
When in doubt, get consent from all parties
Business Call Recording
Businesses recording customer calls in Connecticut must provide clear notification. The standard “This call may be recorded” message satisfies the consent requirement if played at the beginning of the call, as continuing after hearing the message implies consent.
Connecticut Video Recording Laws
Video Without Audio
Connecticut’s recording laws primarily address audio recordings. Video recording without audio is generally permitted in areas where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy.
Hidden Cameras and Voyeurism
Connecticut law prohibits:
Recording in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy (bedrooms, bathrooms, changing rooms)
Using hidden cameras to capture intimate images without consent
Distributing intimate images recorded without consent
Workplace Surveillance
Connecticut has specific laws regarding workplace monitoring. Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 31-48d, employers must give prior written notice to employees before engaging in electronic monitoring of their activities.
Recording in the Workplace
Employee Rights
For in-person workplace conversations, Connecticut’s one-party consent rule applies – you can record meetings or conversations you’re participating in without notifying others.
However, for phone calls at work, you still need all-party consent under § 52-570d.
Employer Monitoring Requirements
Connecticut requires employers to provide written notice before:
Monitoring employee phone calls
Monitoring email and internet usage
Using video surveillance in the workplace
This notice must be given at the time of hiring or when monitoring begins.
Recording Police and Government Officials
Can You Record Police Officers in Connecticut?
Yes. The First Amendment protects your right to record police officers performing their public duties. Since police interactions in public are typically in-person (not telephone), Connecticut’s one-party consent rule applies – you can record without notifying the officer.
When recording police:
Don’t interfere with their duties
Maintain a safe distance
You may record from any public space
Officers cannot demand you stop recording or delete footage
Recording Government Meetings
Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act guarantees the public’s right to attend open meetings of government bodies. Recording is permitted at these public meetings.
Exceptions to Connecticut Recording Laws
Law Enforcement Exception
Police and law enforcement officers may record communications when performing their lawful duties, including during investigations.
Emergency Services Exception
Emergency responders, including 911 operators, may record calls in the course of their duties.
Broadcast Stations
Licensed broadcast stations have certain exemptions when recording for legitimate news gathering purposes.
Penalties for Illegal Recording in Connecticut
Criminal Penalties
Offense
Classification
Penalty
Eavesdropping (§ 53a-189)
Class D Felony
Up to 5 years prison, up to $5,000 fine
Illegal wiretapping
Class D Felony
Up to 5 years prison, up to $5,000 fine
Voyeurism/Hidden cameras
Varies
Depends on circumstances
Civil Liability for Phone Recording (§ 52-570d)
Anyone who records a telephone conversation without proper consent can be sued in Superior Court for:
Actual damages suffered by the victim
Litigation costs
Attorney’s fees
Additionally, improperly recorded phone conversations are inadmissible as evidence in Connecticut courts, which can severely impact legal cases.
Using Recordings as Evidence in Connecticut
In-Person Recordings
Recordings of in-person conversations made with one-party consent are generally admissible in Connecticut courts, subject to authentication requirements.
Phone Recordings
Phone recordings made without all-party consent are NOT admissible in Connecticut courts. This is a critical consideration if you’re recording to gather evidence for a lawsuit or legal matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Connecticut a one-party consent state?
For in-person conversations, yes. You can record face-to-face conversations you’re participating in without notifying others. However, for telephone calls, Connecticut requires all-party consent.
Is Connecticut a two-party consent state?
For telephone calls, yes. You must have consent from all parties to legally record a phone call in Connecticut. For in-person conversations, only one-party consent is required.
Can I record a conversation without the other person knowing in Connecticut?
For in-person conversations you’re part of – yes. For phone calls – no, you need consent from all parties or must use an automatic warning tone.
Can I record a phone call in Connecticut?
Only with consent from all parties, verbal notification at the start of the call, or by using an automatic warning tone every 15 seconds.
What happens if I record a phone call without consent in Connecticut?
You can be sued for damages, litigation costs, and attorney’s fees. The recording will also be inadmissible in court.
Can I sue someone for recording me in Connecticut?
If they recorded a phone call without your consent – yes, under § 52-570d. For in-person recordings, it depends on whether they were a participant in the conversation.
Can recordings be used in court in Connecticut?
In-person recordings made with one-party consent are generally admissible. Phone recordings made without all-party consent are NOT admissible.
Can I record my employer in Connecticut?
For in-person conversations you’re participating in – yes. For phone calls – only with all parties’ consent.
What is the penalty for illegal recording in Connecticut?
Criminal penalties include up to 5 years in prison and $5,000 in fines (Class D Felony). Civil penalties for phone recording include damages, costs, and attorney’s fees.
Does Connecticut have hidden camera laws?
Yes. Recording in areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy (bathrooms, bedrooms, changing rooms) is illegal.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be considered legal advice. Connecticut’s mixed consent rules can be confusing – if you have questions about your specific situation, consult with a licensed Connecticut attorney.
Two-Party Consent States Reference
Connecticut is listed among two-party consent states due to its telephone recording requirements, though it functions as a one-party consent state for in-person conversations.
*Connecticut has different rules for in-person (one-party) vs. phone (all-party) recordings. Michigan courts have interpreted the statute as one-party consent in some circumstances.
One-Party Consent States
The remaining states follow one-party consent rules for all types of recordings. See our One-Party Consent States Guide for details.
