Off Topic - Legal Advice

Hi lads,

I wondered if anyone has any knowledge on the legal guidelines on recording third parties without their knowledge as I have an issue at work where this has taken place. I work in theatre and, basically, a colleague has left his phone recording in the dressing room during a show and recorded conversations held by myself and a few other colleagues while he was not in the room. He has then played the recorded conversation back to two other colleagues who have quoted my words verbatim back to me. They are trying to claim they heard it through a door but it transpires that the entire conversation was recorded.

I just wondered if anyone had a legal perspective on this as my searches on the internet are throwing back some varied responses. From what I can understand, it may have been possible for him to record a conversation if he had been present and actively involved in it but that leaving his phone in a private room where we could expect privacy is tantamount to bugging? There also seems to be a rule on passing on the recording to another person/people.

With the job I'm doing I'm missing all the matches and even match of the day so I come on here every day and read all of your perspectives. I don't get a chance to post too often as, aside from anything else, I rely solely on my phone for the internet. Sounded like we didn't really deserve the three points yesterday. I was worried that a lot of people were being complacent that it would be a walkover and tended to agree with the people saying no Premier League match is easy. Still, chuffed with another 3 points ahead of a difficult month of fixtures ahead.

Would be grateful for any advice on the above if anyone has any knowledge they don't mind sharing. Hope you're all having a decent Sunday.

 

What were you talking about?

 

I'm no legal advisor, but I know I've seen a few documentaries where the film crew's sound equipment has picked up incriminating stuff through a door or a wall and they've gone on to use it in the film. So that would lead me to believe that there is some legality in doing it somehow.

 

I'm sure you need permission though. For example on 'The Real Hustle' they film it then ask permission to use it on the programme.

 

Just googled and it seems very dependent on the situation, dunno if you came across this site on your searches: http://www.newbusiness.co.uk/articles/legal-advice/the-legal-ramifications-recording-conversations

 

This!

 

Haha I won't be too specific as anyone could read this thread but it was just lads banter about a couple of cast members who are hitting it off when one of them has a partner already and it's got a lot of people's backs up cos they all know the partner too. The guy who recorded it (one of the pair who are hitting it off) basically thinks he is being picked on so guessing that's why he did it, to see of people were talking about him. Think it would be fair to assume we had privacy in a dressing room though wouldn't it?

 

punch him in the mouth


failing that, call him out on being a twat by doing it

 

If he's not broadcasting it (i.e. TV, radio etc) I don't think theres any legal case. I'd recommend cutting out the gossip!

 

im with beatski, a punch in the mouth can really help. although it might not help with the bullying claims....

 

Hi if you being recorded at any time, the evidence can only be used if, you have been told its happening or there is a sign up saying recordings taking place or you sign a disclaimer after the event to say its OK to use or its for health ans saftey reasons. Anything else is classed as entrapment and is 100% illegal, hope this helps

 

He's not 'using the evidence' for any legal reasons though, he's using it to say 'stop talking about me behind my back'. Its sneaky, but not illegal.

 

it is a illegal trust me, its classed as gross misconduct. They parties involved would never be saying the things they are if the knew they were being recorded taking away freedom of speech and breaking privacy laws

 

Thanks What Would Par-dew, that was what I thought. In terms of cut out the gossip, I appreciate no one likes to be talked about but who hasn't gossiped at the expense of a friend/colleague before? If you go sneaking around the way they are people won't just ignore it. And he doesn't help himself by being the biggest eejit and never shutting up. Every work place has one. It just happensthat you won't get many more isolated and intense environments that a theatre company. Everyone knows everything about everyone and the gossip and banter is rife. I guess one's perception of gossip vs. banter depends on what your day to day relationship is with the people doing the talking.