Your responsibility, first.
Before using VoxNote to record a call, you are responsible for informing all participants and obtaining any legally required consent. Requirements vary based on each participant's jurisdiction and the context of the call.
How VoxNote works:
Recording starts automatically the moment the call begins, in order to generate the transcript and summary.
You never receive the audio recording, only the transcript and summary.
Audio is automatically deleted as soon as the transcript is generated, no one has access to it, not even us.
Recordings and transcripts are encrypted.
Only you have access to your summaries.
Your data is never sold or shared with third parties.
These technical protections limit data-related risks, but they do not replace your obligation to notify the other party when the law requires it.
Do I need to obtain consent before recording with VoxNote?
The answer depends on the context in which you use VoxNote.
Individual ↔ Individual (personal conversation) — Generally, no.
Recording a conversation without the other party's knowledge is not in itself considered harmful. It is the misuse of the recording (disclosure, sharing, malicious use) that may lead to consequences. No rule prevents an individual from recording their own private conversations without notifying the other party.
Business ↔ Individual (work context with a client) — Generally, yes.
You must have serious and legitimate reasons to record a conversation with an individual who is not operating a business, and you must make a reasonable effort to inform them of the purpose of the recording.
Business ↔ Business — Generally, no.
When the conversation takes place between two individuals acting in the course of their work, the parties theoretically have only a minimal expectation of privacy. Unless there are special circumstances (for example, a discussion involving privileged financial information), notifying the other party of the recording is generally not required.
How can I properly notify the other party before recording?
VoxNote starts recording automatically at the beginning of each call. If you are in a context that requires notification, you must notify the other party as early as possible — ideally within the first few seconds of the call and before any personal information is exchanged.
Recommended method: verbal disclosure.
As soon as the call begins, clearly tell the other party:
that the call is being recorded and transcribed;
the reasonable and legitimate purpose of the recording;
ask whether they wish to proceed.
Tip for recurring clients.
When speaking with a client in a business context, you can use this disclosure to obtain consent not only for the current call but also for all future calls you will have with them. This saves you from repeating the process every time and provides durable proof of consent in your client file.
If the other party refuses to be recorded.
If the person refuses to be recorded, end the current call.
For outgoing calls: place the call directly through your usual phone app, without going through VoxNote.
For incoming calls received in VoxNote: add the contact or number to your excluded numbers list so that no call from this person is ever recorded. You can manage this list in the app, under Settings → Excluded numbers.
Why is it important to ask for consent before recording?
Asking for consent before recording protects you, your organization, and the other party:
Compliance. Rules on recording and consent vary across jurisdictions. Asking for consent helps you comply with the laws applicable in each party's jurisdiction.
Trust and transparency. An informed participant is more comfortable and more engaged in the conversation. This strengthens your professional image and the quality of the relationship.
Protection against disputes. Clear consent, ideally documented, significantly reduces the risk of civil claims or complaints related to the use of the recording.
Professional compliance. If you are a member of a regulated profession, association, or are supervised by a regulator, your code of ethics may impose stricter standards than general law.
What happens if I record without obtaining the required consent?
Recording a conversation without the legally required consent can expose you to serious risks, including:
Legal or regulatory sanctions under the laws applicable in each participant's jurisdiction.
Civil lawsuits for damages brought by the recorded person.
Professional consequences with your order, association, or regulator, as applicable.
Reputational risk with your clients, partners, and market.
These consequences fall on you personally or on your organization — VoxNote, as the application provider, accepts no liability for how you use it.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and are subject to change. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified legal professional.