Westwood, NJ asked in Communications Law for New Jersey

Q: If you attended a Zoom meeting and it was recorded and you consented to the recording however you would like a copy

If you attended a Zoom meeting and it was recorded and you consented to the recording however you would like a copy of the recording for your records but the host refuses to release it to you, can you require by law they send a copy? What if they were to edit it in a way that makes me look a specific way but it was altered? I would need the original to prove it was edited. Is it legally also my property If I am in it?

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: There is no automatic right to a copy of the recorded Zoom video. But depending on the facts that you have not disclosed, my answer could change. Without a consultation (figure about $200.00 for the consultation) no one can provide more information. Pick the best attorney you can find and remember one rule: a good attorney is generally never cheap, and a cheap attorney is generally never good so don't choose based on price. With modern technology, you can be represented by any high-quality attorney in New Jersey irrespective of geography.

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Answered

A: When you participate in a recorded Zoom meeting with consent, the ownership of the recording primarily lies with the individual or entity that conducted the meeting and initiated the recording. Typically, unless specified by agreement or policy, there is no automatic entitlement for participants to receive a copy of the recording. This means that if the host refuses to share the recording with you, there might not be a straightforward legal mandate compelling them to do so.

If you have concerns about the recording being edited in a manner that misrepresents you or alters the context of your participation, this raises issues of potential defamation or misrepresentation. However, the original recording being considered your property simply because you are in it is not generally supported by law. The rights to the recording usually belong to the person or organization that made the recording, unless there's an agreement stating otherwise.

In situations where you believe a recording has been edited in a way that could harm your reputation or misrepresent your words or actions, it might be beneficial to consult with a legal professional. They can advise on the best course of action, which might include negotiating with the host for access to the original recording or exploring legal remedies if there's evidence of harm caused by an edited version. Legal advice could provide clarity on your rights and potential strategies to address your concerns.

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