What is a common legal constraint regarding audio recordings by private investigators in Ontario?

In Ontario, the law surrounding audio recordings is primarily governed by the Criminal Code of Canada, which outlines that for a private investigator to lawfully record a conversation, at least one party involved in that conversation must provide consent. This means that if a private investigator is part of the conversation, they can record it without needing to notify the other party. This principle supports the idea that individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy when speaking, but it recognizes the rights of individuals to make recordings if they are participants in the conversation.

The requirement for at least one party's consent is crucial in ensuring that privacy rights are balanced with the need for evidence collection in investigations. This legal framework allows private investigators to perform their duties while complying with privacy laws. Other options like requiring all parties to be informed or obtaining only written consent do not align with the legal provisions set forth regarding audio recordings in Ontario. Additionally, claiming that audio recordings are completely prohibited is incorrect, as the law permits recordings under the stipulated conditions.