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?
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.
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.
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.
