Yes, in California, it is illegal to record someone without their consent. California is a "two-party consent" state, which means that both parties involved in a conversation must give their consent to be recorded. This applies to both in-person and electronic communications, including phone calls and video chats.
There are some exceptions to this law, such as when the conversation is not private or when there is no expectation of privacy. For example, if you are in a public place where your conversation can be overheard, it may be legal to record without consent. Additionally, if the recording is for legitimate legal, business, or personal purposes, it may be allowed under certain circumstances.
It's important to note that violating California's two-party consent law can result in serious legal consequences, including criminal charges and civil lawsuits. It's always best to err on the side of caution and obtain consent before recording any conversations.
In conclusion, recording someone without their consent in California is generally illegal under the state's two-party consent law. It's important to be aware of and respect individuals' privacy rights, and to seek legal advice if you have questions about recording conversations in California.