Q. How can I record a sensitive, in-person interview?

For recording software, the most important thing is that it records locally to your computer (configured to handle sensitive data) or allows you to record directly to Harvard Sharepoint or OneDrive. 

It is acceptable to record in Zoom up to DSL 3 by opening a meeting without a participant and recording to your computer. 

On a Windows machine, you can use something basic like Sound Recorder. On a Mac, you can use Voice Memos, but you have to make sure that iCloud sync is off until you move the file to your Sharepoint or OneDrive and delete the files from your computer. 

When recording in any unfamiliar app, do some testing ahead of time to make sure that you know where the files are saving and to make sure that you are happy with the format of the files. Many people prefer to save files like this as MP3s in order to have a file that any audio tool should be able to open (use Settings to make this selection). 

Often, if you are recording a sensitive interview, you will want to transcribe it as well. If that is the case, check out our guidance on what software to use for secure transcription next.