Andreas from Skype asks me in these comments:

Saw the post on our forums and followed it here. This is definitely an interesting feature which we will consider for inclusion, however this http://www.rcfp.org/taping/quick.html is something that must be considered before we build it! So how do you suggest we implement “consent” in the UI? Very interested to hear your suggestions!

I think a two-way standard Windows msgbox with yes/no options would work. Either side of the Skype conversation could initiate the record request via the top menu or hot key combination and both sides would be required to consent using this form. A log of the consent request could also be written to the local user’s machine for proof that they consented to the recording. I might also suggest that in order to record any conversation, both sides must get an identical copy of the conversation. I used the javascript msgbox maker to create the following mockup:

I would also suggest that the default always be “No” so that if the user hits the enter key the default response will be to refuse the recording. It might even be extra prudent to add a confirmation screen that follows after this initial approval that indicates that YOU HAVE AGREED TO HAVE THIS CONVERSATION RECORDED. If the user hits no, then they have successfully backed out of the recording and no recording should take place. This eliminates the posibility of someone hitting enter once or twice to simply ignore the information and later being upset that they were recorded “without their consent.”

Also, I think in the Skype interface there should be a big red button showing that the conversation is being RECORDED. Perhaps something like the image shown to the right.

Another possibility is to perhaps make a form with a box they must check approving it like is the norm with an End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) before installing software, but make the text very short and to the point or people will just always check the box or hit enter to just skip past withou authorizing.

I’ve learned that it is important in the UI of interfaces to keep them simple for users or they will just ignore them. Hope this is helpful, Andreas, and thank you for Skype and stopping by, reading and commenting.

Disclaimer: I am not associated with Skype in any way except that I’ve downloaded and enjoying using their beta software.

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