What To Know
- Slack Standard and Plus plans do not record calls by default, while Slack Enterprise Grid offers call recording as an optional feature.
- No, call recording is only available on Slack Enterprise Grid plan, which is a paid subscription.
- You can access recordings via the “Calls” tab in the Slack desktop app or the “Call Recordings” page in the web app.
Slack, the popular workplace communication tool, has become an indispensable part of modern business operations. With its myriad features, including instant messaging, file sharing, and video conferencing, Slack has revolutionized collaboration and productivity. However, a lingering question that has plagued users is: “Does Slack record calls?”
Understanding Slack’s Call Recording Capabilities
The answer to the question “Does Slack record calls?” is not straightforward. It depends on various factors, including the version of Slack you’re using, the type of call, and your organization’s policies.
Slack Standard and Plus Plans
By default, Slack Standard and Plus plans do not record calls. This means that any audio or video calls made through Slack’s built-in calling feature are not automatically recorded.
Slack Enterprise Grid Plan
Slack Enterprise Grid plan offers more comprehensive features, including the ability to record calls. However, call recording is not enabled by default. It must be explicitly configured by an administrator.
Enabling Call Recording in Slack Enterprise Grid
To enable call recording in Slack Enterprise Grid:
1. Sign in to your Slack workspace as an administrator.
2. Click on the workspace name in the top-left corner.
3. Select “Settings & Administration.”
4. Navigate to “Call Recording.”
5. Toggle the “Enable call recording” switch to “On.”
Types of Calls That Can Be Recorded
Slack Enterprise Grid allows you to record both one-on-one calls and **group calls**. However, there are some limitations:
- External calls: Calls made to or from non-Slack users cannot be recorded.
- Screen share: Call recordings do not include screen sharing content.
- Private channels: Calls made in private channels cannot be recorded.
Managing Call Recordings
Once call recording is enabled, you can access recordings in the following ways:
- Slack desktop app: Recordings are stored in the “Calls” tab.
- Slack web app: Recordings are accessible via the “Call Recordings” page.
- Slack API: Recordings can be retrieved programmatically using the Slack API.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Call recordings contain sensitive information, so it’s crucial to consider security and privacy implications:
- Data retention: Recordings are typically stored for 30 days, but administrators can adjust this setting.
- Access control: Only authorized users with appropriate permissions can access call recordings.
- Compliance: Organizations must comply with applicable laws and regulations regarding call recording.
Ethical and Legal Implications
Before enabling call recording, it’s essential to consider the ethical and legal implications:
- Transparency: Users should be informed that calls may be recorded.
- Consent: In some jurisdictions, explicit consent is required before recording calls.
- Purpose: Recordings should only be used for legitimate business purposes.
Alternatives to Slack Call Recording
If Slack’s call recording capabilities don‘t meet your needs, there are several alternative solutions available:
- Third-party apps: Numerous apps integrate with Slack to provide call recording functionality.
- Dedicated call recording services: Services like Zoom and RingCentral offer robust call recording features.
- Hardware devices: Devices like Polycom and Cisco phones can be used for call recording.
In a nutshell
Whether Slack records calls depends on the version of Slack you’re using, the type of call, and your organization’s policies. Slack Standard and Plus plans do not record calls by default, while Slack Enterprise Grid offers call recording as an optional feature. It’s important to consider security, privacy, ethical, and legal implications before enabling call recording. If Slack’s capabilities don‘t suffice, there are alternative solutions available.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I record calls on Slack for free?
A: No, call recording is only available on Slack Enterprise Grid plan, which is a paid subscription.
Q: How do I access call recordings on Slack?
A: You can access recordings via the “Calls” tab in the Slack desktop app or the “Call Recordings” page in the web app.
Q: How long are call recordings stored?
A: Recordings are typically stored for 30 days, but administrators can adjust this setting.
Q: Can I record calls made to or from external numbers?
A: No, Slack does not currently support recording external calls.
Q: Is it legal to record calls on Slack?
A: The legality of call recording varies depending on jurisdiction. It’s important to consult applicable laws and regulations before enabling call recording.
