Is it legal to record a conversation in Massachusetts?
<p>If you are physically present in a room where conversation takes place, is it legal to digitally record the conversation?</p>

<p>Please refer to the following cases:</p>

<ul>
<li>When you are an active party</li>
<li>When you are a passive listener</li>
<li>When you are passive, but the conversation specifically regards yourself</li>
<li>When the other party(s) know and agree to the recording</li>
<li>When the other party(s) know and do not agree to the recording</li>
<li>When the other party(s) do not know</li>
</ul>

<p>Massachusetts has one of the most restrictive laws in the USA on SECRETLY recording any conversation.  Other than that, you can record a conversation, assuming you have proof (if necessary for a criminal defense) that everyone speaking has knowledge that it's being recorded.</p>

<p>For instance, turning on your cellphone to record the conversation during a traffic stop, without the police officer's knowledge, would be a felony.</p>

<p>See, e.g., Commonwealth v. Jackson (1976), Commonwealth v. Hyde (2001), and cf. Glik v. Cunniffe, et al. (2011). MGL ch. 272, s.99.</p>

united-states recording massachusetts