Last updated on October 25, 2025
No, it is not allowed. Under Canadian privacy law, recording a Zoom meeting without informing participants is generally prohibited unless all parties give meaningful consent.
When the Camera Rolls Without a Cue
In the age of remote work and virtual meetings, the red “recording” dot on a Zoom call has become a familiar sight. But what if that dot never appears? What if someone hits “record” without telling anyone? In Canada, that quiet click could be more than just sneaky—it could be illegal.
Recording a Zoom meeting without informing participants isn’t just a breach of etiquette; it’s a potential violation of federal privacy law. Canada takes personal information seriously, and that includes what’s said and shared in virtual spaces.
The Legal Framework
The key legislation governing this issue is the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). This federal law applies to private-sector organizations and sets out how personal information must be collected, used, and disclosed. According to PIPEDA, organizations must obtain knowledgeable and meaningful consent before collecting personal information—including audio or video recordings of identifiable individuals.
In the context of a Zoom meeting, this means that if you’re recording a session where participants can be seen or heard, you must inform them and obtain their consent. Simply pressing “record” without disclosure doesn’t meet the legal threshold. The law is designed to ensure that individuals understand what is being collected, why, and how it will be used.
Consent Isn’t Optional
Consent under PIPEDA must be informed, meaning participants need to know they’re being recorded and agree to it. This is especially important in professional or commercial settings, where sensitive information may be discussed. The law also requires that the purpose of the recording be clearly explained—whether it’s for documentation, training, or legal compliance.
Failing to obtain consent can lead to complaints filed with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, which has the authority to investigate and issue recommendations. In some cases, organizations may face reputational damage or legal consequences for non-compliance.
Exceptions and Provincial Variations
While PIPEDA is the primary federal law, some provinces—such as British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec—have their own private-sector privacy laws that are substantially similar. These laws also emphasize the importance of consent and transparency when handling personal information.
There are limited exceptions under PIPEDA where consent may not be required, such as during investigations or legal proceedings. However, these exceptions are narrowly defined and unlikely to apply to routine workplace meetings or casual conversations.
Best Practices for Virtual Meetings
If you’re hosting a Zoom meeting and plan to record it, the best practice is simple: inform everyone upfront. Most video conferencing platforms, including Zoom, offer built-in notifications that alert participants when a recording starts. Still, it’s good form—and often necessary—to verbally state your intent and purpose at the beginning of the meeting.
For organizations, having a clear policy on virtual meeting recordings can help ensure compliance and build trust. Employees should be trained on privacy obligations and understand when and how to seek consent.
In Canada, privacy isn’t just a principle—it’s the law. So before you hit “record,” make sure everyone’s on the same page.
See more on Canada
Sources
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/P-8.6/FullText.html
Ongoing
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada – PIPEDA and Your Privacy
https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/privacy-topics/privacy-laws-in-canada/the-personal-information-protection-and-electronic-documents-act-pipeda/
Ongoing