Can I record a call in United Kingdom?

Yes, for your own use. A person may record their own calls. A business that records has to tell people and needs a lawful basis under data protection law.

One-party consent A person who takes part in the conversation may record it without the others agreeing.

General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed September 2026. Laws change and facts differ; check before you rely on any line here, and ask a lawyer licensed where you record for anything that matters.

What the rule means

A party to a call who records it is not intercepting it. Keeping the recording for personal or household use is exempt from data protection law.
Sharing a personal recording with third parties without consent can be unlawful, even though making it was not.
Businesses may record on their own systems for listed purposes, provided they make all reasonable efforts to tell users that recording may happen.
A recording that identifies people is personal data. Business use needs a lawful basis, a clear notice, a retention limit and security.

The law

Investigatory Powers Act 2016
Investigatory Powers (Interception by Businesses etc. for Monitoring and Record-keeping Purposes) Regulations 2018
UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018

Unlawful interception is a criminal offence. Data protection breaches are enforced by the Information Commissioner and can lead to claims for compensation.

When the others are somewhere else

Calls with people in Germany, Switzerland or an all-party US state should be announced and agreed. Video meetings are treated like phone calls, and the strictest rule that applies to anyone on the call is the one to follow.

What to say

The law here does not require it, but saying it costs one sentence and covers the people who may be somewhere stricter.

“Quick note before we start: I’m recording and transcribing this meeting on my own computer for my notes. It isn’t shared with anyone unless I send it to you. Let me know if you’d rather I didn’t.”

How Recordist fits

You are the participant. Recordist records your own microphone and the audio arriving at your computer. No bot joins the call.
It asks before every recording. Nothing records until you confirm, and the confirm card can show the sentence above as a reminder.
The notice is still yours to give. Software cannot give consent for the other people. Tell them when anyone may be somewhere stricter.

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