SafeGuard Each Other ? Audio & Video Recording Laws Notice
Last Updated: October 2026
1. Overview of Recording Laws in the United States
SafeGuard Each Other includes an encrypted Evidence Vault feature designed to capture photo, video, and audio evidence during active personal safety emergencies and incidents. Because laws governing audio and video recording vary significantly by state and jurisdiction, you should understand the applicable consent requirements in your location.
2. One-Party Consent vs. All-Party (Two-Party) Consent
In federal law (18 U.S.C. ? 2511) and in approximately 35 states plus Washington D.C., you are permitted to record an in-person or telephone conversation as long as at least one party to the conversation consents. As the person initiating the recording, your own consent is legally sufficient in these jurisdictions.
In approximately 13 states (including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington), the law requires that all parties to a confidential conversation or communication consent before any audio recording may take place.
3. Reasonable Expectation of Privacy
Recording laws typically apply only to communications where participants have a reasonable expectation of privacy. In public spaces where there is no objective expectation of privacy, recording is generally permissible provided it does not interfere with emergency personnel or violate local ordinances.
4. Emergency & Self-Defense Considerations
Many jurisdictions recognize specific exceptions allowing recording without consent in circumstances involving the reporting or prevention of serious crimes (such as extortion, kidnapping, physical violence, or immediate threat to bodily safety).
5. How SafeGuard Each Other Protects Your Recordings
- Private & Encrypted: Stored locally and transmitted using AES-256 encryption.
- Never Publicly Broadcast: SafeGuard Each Other does not publish, scrape, or stream your evidence.
- Solely Controlled by You: Media remains securely vaulted and is never shared unless you explicitly choose to export or deliver it to law enforcement or your designated legal counsel.
6. User Responsibility Disclaimer
SafeGuard Each Other provides tools for personal safety and evidence preservation. You are solely responsible for ensuring that your use of the recording and evidence features complies with all applicable local, state, federal, and international laws. SafeGuard Each Other does not provide legal advice, nor does it guarantee the judicial admissibility of any captured media.
For questions regarding recording compliance, please contact: legal@safeguardeachother.com