Recording Your Own Phone Calls Is Legal in New Jersey – Even With AI Recorders

As we enter the age of AI-powered voice recorders like Plaud and similar tools, more people are asking an old question: “Am I actually allowed to record my own phone calls?”

In New Jersey, the answer is yes—with some important limits. This rule has been on the books for decades. It is just getting more attention now because technology makes recording easier than ever.

New Jersey’s wiretapping law says it is legal for a regular person (not law enforcement) to record a phone call or conversation if they are part of the conversation, or if one person on the call consents to it. The key language from the statute states:

“A person not acting under color of law may intercept a wire, electronic, or oral communication where such person is a party to the communication or one of the parties has given prior consent…”

In plain English, this means:

·         If you are on the call, you can record it

·         You do not need to tell the other person

·         This applies to phone calls, Zoom calls, and in-person conversations

·         This applies to regular people, not law enforcement

With AI recorders now being used for business calls, client conversations, disputes, and personal records, people are becoming more cautious. The technology is new, but the legal rule itself has not changed.

There are, however, common mistakes people still make.

· Recording conversations you are not part of. You cannot leave a recorder in a room and capture other people talking.

· Recording for illegal purposes such as harassment, threats, blackmail, or fraud.

· Forgetting that other states have different laws. Some states require everyone on the call to consent.

· Assuming all recordings can be used in court. Legal does not always mean useful.

The simplest rule to remember is this: If you are part of the conversation, recording is usually legal in New Jersey. If you are not, do not record it.

Technology keeps evolving, but New Jersey’s recording law has been clear for a long time. Knowing the limits is what helps people avoid crossing the line.