Call Recording Disclosure
Last updated: January 2, 2026
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This Call Recording Disclosure explains how call recording works on Sonafone and your legal responsibilities when using this feature.
Call Recording Overview
Sonafone offers call recording functionality that allows you to record voice calls made through our Service. Before using this feature, you must understand the legal requirements for recording phone calls.
How Recording Works
When you enable call recording:
- Recording Initiation: You initiate recording before or during a call
- Audio Capture: Both sides of the conversation are captured
- Storage: Recordings are securely stored on our servers
- Access: You can access recordings through your Sonafone account
- Retention: Recordings are retained according to our data retention policy
Recording Capabilities
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| On-Demand Recording | Start/stop recording during a call |
| Automatic Recording | Option to record all calls (if enabled) |
| Recording Storage | Secure cloud storage with encryption |
| Recording Access | Download or playback through your account |
| Recording Retention | 90 days (or until manually deleted) |
Consent Requirements
IMPORTANT: Recording phone calls without proper consent may be illegal.
Federal Law (One-Party Consent)
Under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2511), you may record a phone call if:
- You are a party to the conversation, OR
- One party to the conversation has consented
However, state laws may impose stricter requirements.
State Laws (Two-Party/All-Party Consent)
Several U.S. states require ALL parties to a call to consent before recording. If you or the other party is located in any of these states, you generally must obtain everyone's consent:
| Two-Party Consent States | |
|---|---|
| California | Connecticut |
| Delaware | Florida |
| Illinois | Maryland |
| Massachusetts | Michigan |
| Montana | Nevada |
| New Hampshire | Oregon |
| Pennsylvania | Vermont |
| Washington |
Note: Laws change. This list may not be current. Always verify current requirements.
Determining Which Law Applies
- Your Location: Where you are when making the call
- Other Party's Location: Where the person you're calling is located
- Strictest Law Applies: When parties are in different states, the stricter consent requirement typically applies
When in doubt, obtain consent from all parties.
Your Responsibilities
Before Recording
You MUST:
- Know the Law: Understand recording laws in your state and the state of the person you're calling
- Obtain Consent: Get proper consent before recording
- Provide Notice: Clearly inform all parties that the call is being recorded
- Document Consent: Keep records of consent obtained
Consent Best Practices
Recommended language for obtaining consent:
"This call may be recorded for [quality assurance/record-keeping/training purposes]. By continuing this call, you consent to being recorded."
OR
"I'd like to record this call for my records. Do I have your permission to record?"
What You Must NOT Do
You must NOT:
- Record calls without legally required consent
- Use recordings for illegal purposes
- Share recordings in violation of privacy laws
- Record calls with the intent to harm, blackmail, or extort
- Claim recordings were made with consent when they were not
Sonafone's Role
We Provide the Technology
Sonafone provides the technical capability to record calls. However:
- We do not monitor whether you have obtained proper consent
- We do not verify the legality of your recordings
- We are not responsible for your compliance with recording laws
- You bear sole responsibility for legal use of the recording feature
Our Recording Practices
Sonafone may record calls for our own purposes:
- Quality Assurance: To improve our Service
- Customer Support: When you contact our support team (with notice)
- Security: To investigate fraud or abuse
When we record, we will provide notice at the beginning of the call.
Recording Storage and Security
How We Store Recordings
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256 encryption at rest |
| Transit Security | TLS encryption during upload/download |
| Access Control | Only you can access your recordings |
| Data Center | Secure U.S.-based data centers |
Retention and Deletion
- Default Retention: 90 days from recording date
- Manual Deletion: You can delete recordings at any time
- Account Deletion: Recordings deleted with account
- Backup Purge: May take up to 30 days after deletion request
Third-Party Access
Recordings may be disclosed:
- To you (account holder)
- To law enforcement with valid legal process
- To protect our rights or investigate violations
- As required by law
Legal Consequences of Illegal Recording
Recording calls without proper consent can result in:
Criminal Penalties
| Jurisdiction | Potential Penalties |
|---|---|
| Federal | Fine and/or imprisonment up to 5 years |
| California | Fine up to $2,500 and/or up to 1 year imprisonment |
| Florida | Third-degree felony |
| Other States | Varies; may include misdemeanor or felony charges |
Civil Liability
- Actual damages
- Statutory damages (often $1,000+ per violation)
- Punitive damages
- Attorney's fees
Account Consequences
- Account suspension or termination
- Forfeiture of prepaid balance
- Permanent ban from Sonafone
Business Use Considerations
If you use Sonafone for business purposes:
Employment Calls
- Inform employees of recording policies
- Include in employee handbooks
- Comply with labor laws regarding workplace recording
Customer Calls
- Provide clear notice at the start of calls
- Use IVR announcements when appropriate
- Document consent procedures
- Train employees on compliance
Regulated Industries
Certain industries have additional recording requirements:
- Healthcare (HIPAA): Special handling of protected health information
- Financial Services: SEC/FINRA recordkeeping requirements
- Legal: Attorney-client privilege considerations
Consult with legal counsel for industry-specific requirements.
Requesting Recording Deletion
To delete your recordings:
- Self-Service: Log into your account and delete recordings directly
- Support Request: Email support@sonafone.com with specific recording details
We will process deletion requests within 30 days.
Third-Party Recording Services
This disclosure applies only to Sonafone's built-in recording features. If you use third-party recording applications or services:
- Those services have their own terms and policies
- You remain responsible for legal compliance
- Sonafone is not responsible for third-party services
Twilio Recording Infrastructure
Our recording feature utilizes Twilio's recording infrastructure. Twilio's handling of recordings is subject to:
Indemnification
By using Sonafone's call recording feature, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless Cosmo Suite LLC from any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from:
- Your use of call recording
- Your failure to obtain proper consent
- Violations of federal, state, or local recording laws
- Any illegal or unauthorized use of recordings
Questions About Recording
If you have questions about call recording:
Cosmo Suite LLC 525 Randall Ave #245 Cheyenne, WY
Email: support@sonafone.com Website: sonafone.com
Note: We cannot provide legal advice. For questions about recording laws, consult with a licensed attorney.
Related Resources
- Digital Media Law Project - Recording Phone Calls
- Reporters Committee - Recording Laws by State
- Our Privacy Policy
- Our Terms of Service
Last updated: January 2, 2026
Remember: You are solely responsible for complying with all applicable call recording laws. When in doubt, obtain consent from all parties.