Nashville, TN asked in Employment Law and Business Law for Tennessee

Q: i got in trouble for a conversation I had in the break room. I never consented to recording. Is that illegal?

I was having a conversation with some coworkers about our bosses. The convo was heated, and all the employees were upset. We all got called out and in trouble for talking bad, but the only way they knew was from the camera recording in the corner. There was no consent i signed to be audio recorded. Is that illegal, or what can I do? I want to quit this job now that I don’t feel my conversations or life is private.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
Answered

A: Video or audio taping of a person without their knowledge or consent can be "wiretapping," and it is illegal in most states. The issue is are there any warning signs at the workplace that advise you there is taping or are security cameras in place? If so, you have been provided warning. Your consent is implied by continuing to work there. You are probably an "at will" employee and you can quit at any time without a reason or notice. You don't have to consent to provide information at any exit interview either. Thank you for using Justia ask a lawyer.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.