Recording Permissions
Discover what you need to know about audio and video recording.
Your iPad makes it easy to connect, communicate and develop study skills. Apps like OneNote allow you to record audio to help retain information or explain your work. Can you record a video of your roommate snoring and post it online? Let’s look at what the Ohio State Code of Student Conduct says about it:
“Using electronic or other means to make a video, audio, or photographic record of any person in a location where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy without the person’s prior knowledge, when such a recording is likely to cause injury, distress, or damage to reputation. This includes, but is not limited to, taking video, audio, or photographic records in shower/locker rooms, residence hall rooms, and restrooms. The storing, sharing, and/or distributing of such unauthorized records by any means is also prohibited.”
– Recording without knowledge, page 5
This means, no—you can’t record your roommate snoring or anyone else without their permission. Not only is this a violation of the Code of Conduct, in most cases it’s a violation of Ohio law.
Why is this important? While social media has made it common for people to be recorded without permission in the name of entertainment, it’s often actually illegal. And as stated in the Student Technology Agreement that you signed, any illegal activity is your responsibility. That means you will be held liable if legal trouble arises.
Recording Do’s and Don’ts
- DO ask permission when you want to record a conversation. This includes recording your professor’s lecture.
- DO ask permission to share a recording via social media, email, or other means.
- DO obtain written permission.
- DON’T record anyone without their permission. This includes that funny video of a prank on your roommate or something funny you see on the oval. All recordings require permission.
- DON’T share video, audio or photos of others without their permission.