Originally Posted by Joey_M:
“Sort of correct, you can record your personal phone calls for your own use (i.e. your own records). If you intend to make the contents (either a recording, or transcript, in full or in part), to any 3rd party, then you must make the other party aware of this prior to recording.”
I think that's correct. However, if you make the recording intending to use it only for your own records but subsequently need to use it as 'evidence' in some dispute with the other person then it can be used though would usually not be admissible in court. Making the other party aware means it can be.
Never been sure about the legality of investigative 'journalists' who secretly record phone calls then broadcast them on consumers' rights TV programmes etc. Is usually hidden cameras but sometimes phone calls. In these cases any subsequent legal action is probably mainly based on other evidence, not the secret filming/recording, though you hear about juries being shown such evidence.