Google’s global rollout of a new call recording feature for its Pixel smartphones is poised to clash with stringent privacy regulations, especially across Europe, where such functionality faces legal prohibitions.
The new capability, delivered via an update to the Google Phone application, allows users of Pixel 6 and newer models to record calls. This includes the latest Pixel 10 and Pixel 10 Pro devices.
Users can manually initiate recordings with an on-screen button or configure the system for automatic recording of specific or unknown numbers. The feature requires version 198 of the Google Phone app and the November Pixel Drop update.
Despite its global release, the call recording feature presents significant legal complexities in numerous European countries. Many national laws mandate explicit consent from all parties before a conversation can be recorded, if it is permitted at all.
This regulatory environment contrasts sharply with the feature’s broad availability through the Android update. Google itself acknowledges this by requiring the consent of the other person in some regions.
Similar restrictions apply to other mobile platforms; Apple’s iOS, for example, offers call recording only in a limited number of regions and is not available in Europe.
While currently exclusive to Google Pixel phones, the recording feature could potentially be integrated natively into all Android devices with a future release like Android 16. Activating the feature on supported Pixel phones involves navigating to Settings, then Call Assistance, and finally Call Recording.