Yes, Ohio’s one-party consent statute, Ohio Rev. Code § 2933.52, permits recording conversations if at least one participant consents, aligning with federal wiretap laws. However, Ohio’s 2026 amendments to § 2933.52(A)(2) now require explicit disclosure of recording in “all-party” contexts where non-participants could reasonably expect privacy, such as healthcare or legal consultations. Violations risk civil penalties up to $10,000 per incident and criminal misdemeanor charges under § 2933.53, enforceable by the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Key Regulations for One-Party Consent Recording in Ohio
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Interception Scope: § 2933.52(A)(1) defines “interception” as seizing oral communications through mechanical or electronic means, excluding face-to-face conversations where all parties are aware. Recordings in public spaces (e.g., streets, parks) remain permissible unless conducted with intent to harass or defame, per § 2933.52(B).
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Third-Party Disclosure: The 2026 amendment to § 2933.52(A)(2) mandates that recordings shared with third parties (e.g., social media, cloud storage) must include a conspicuous disclosure if the conversation involved non-consenting individuals in private settings. Non-compliance triggers § 2933.53 liability.
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Workplace Limitations: Employers recording employee communications must comply with Ohio’s 2025 Labor Code § 4113.15, which prohibits surreptitious monitoring in break rooms or during union activities. Violations are investigated by the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Industrial Compliance.