Can you record a phone call in Norway?
You may record a call you take part in without breaking criminal law, which only bans recording conversations between others. Data protection rules are strict: outside purely personal use, Datatilsynet expects you to inform people and usually get consent.
- Phone calls
- Section 205 of the Penal Code (straffeloven) punishes secretly listening to or recording, with a technical device, phone calls or other communication between others, or closed meetings you do not take part in. Datatilsynet puts it simply: to stay clear of the Penal Code, you must be present yourself. A recording that breaks the Penal Code will usually breach data protection law too.
- Business calls
- Tell callers before the call starts that it is recorded, why, and where to read more; "may be recorded" is too vague. Documenting an agreement needs consent and a real need. Recording for quality or training must be truly necessary; record in periods and let callers opt out. Securities firms must record investment calls. Employers must inform staff in advance and cannot rely on their consent.
- What counts as consent
- Announce, before the conversation, that the call is recorded, why, and where to read more on your website. Datatilsynet's own advice: if you are unsure whether you may record, do not do it without telling the person and getting consent.
- Penalties
- Secretly recording other people's communication: a fine or up to 2 years in prison. Data protection breaches can bring fines from Datatilsynet.
Say this at the start
Telling everyone and asking is the safe habit everywhere.
- English
Before we start: I record my calls so I can keep accurate notes. Is that OK with you?
- Norwegian (Bokmål)
Før vi begynner: Jeg tar opp samtalene mine, slik at notatene blir nøyaktige. Er det greit?
Worth knowing
- Datatilsynet reads the personal-use exemption narrowly. Its example: a homeowner who wants to record a carpenter's visit must first inform and get consent, because the situation resembles being an employer.
- Unsolicited phone sales only bind a consumer after written acceptance, so Datatilsynet says recording such calls to document an agreement is not allowed, even with consent.
- Norwegian courts allow free evidence, so a recording can be used in a dispute, but they are more reluctant when it was made in a way that ignored basic privacy interests.
Sources
Checked on 14 October 2026. A plain summary of the law, not legal advice.
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Questions
Is Norway a one-party consent country?
Yes. You may record a call you take part in without breaking criminal law, which only bans recording conversations between others. Data protection rules are strict: outside purely personal use, Datatilsynet expects you to inform people and usually get consent.
Can a business record calls in Norway?
Tell callers before the call starts that it is recorded, why, and where to read more; "may be recorded" is too vague. Documenting an agreement needs consent and a real need. Recording for quality or training must be truly necessary; record in periods and let callers opt out. Securities firms must record investment calls. Employers must inform staff in advance and cannot rely on their consent.
What counts as consent in Norway?
Announce, before the conversation, that the call is recorded, why, and where to read more on your website. Datatilsynet's own advice: if you are unsure whether you may record, do not do it without telling the person and getting consent.
What happens if you record a call illegally in Norway?
Secretly recording other people's communication: a fine or up to 2 years in prison. Data protection breaches can bring fines from Datatilsynet.
Hang up. The notes are done.
Superscribe records your business calls on the number you already have and writes the note when you hang up. You say one line at the start, and it does the rest.
