Brazil: recordings may be used as evidence in labor disputes

Brazilian labor courts will now have to consider audio or video recordings, pictures, phone calls and emails as legal evidence presented by the parties of a conflict, for instance in case of harassment, unfair dismissal or industrial accidents. However, these have to be obtained legally, therefore illegal wiretapping is excluded. This doesn’t mean that the consent of the person concerned is required, or that they should be aware that they were recorded. Indeed, the Federal Supreme Court specified that a conversation recorded by one interlocutor without the other(s) knowing would be taken into account. For instance, a worker can record a conversation with his boss on his cell phone if he is involved in the conversation. However, he cannot place microphones in his boss’ office, which is considered as totally illegal.
Enjoy this article for free while you’re in your trial period
You have access to our content for 1 month.

r instance, a worker can record a conversation with his boss on his cell phone if he is involved in the conversation. However, he cannot place microphones in his boss’ office, which is considered as totally illegal.

Electronic evidence. Emails and instant messaging may also be used as evidence by people involved in these messages, as sender or as receiver. For instance, the time when an email was sent can be used to prove that someone was working overtime, and the content of instant messages can

Do you have information to share with us?
What you absolutely must read this week
The essential content of the week selected by the editorial team.
See all
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
United Kingdom: Parliament finally passes Employment Rights Bill
The UK Labour government's flagship reform of employment rights was passed by both houses on 16 December after a turbulent parliamentary process. The bill introduces numerous changes to labour...
18 December 2025
EU: social partners in telecoms sign joint statement on AI
On 16 December, the social partners in Europe's telecommunications sector unveiled a joint statement on artificial intelligence. They propose an action plan for skills and commit to raising...
18 December 2025
EU: MEPs demand directive on algorithmic management
Members of the European Parliament have called for a directive on algorithmic management. Such legislation would introduce obligations for companies to inform employees, assess health and safety...
17 December 2025
Most viewed articles of the month on mind HR
What readers clicked on the most last month.
What readers clicked on the most last month.
1
Spain: new terms and conditions for in-company training contracts
On 25 November, Spain's Council of Ministers approved a regulation on training contracts. This text defines the terms and conditions for hosting work-study students and interns doing professional...
2
France: sectors feel economic slowdown to differing degrees
The latest data on France’s occupational sectors (branches professionnelles), covering the year 2023, show how employment trends are shaping workplace dynamics. After a more favourable period for...
3
Germany: apprenticeship openings fall sharply in manufacturing and chemicals
From 1 January 2026, Dutch collective agreements for temporary employment agencies will alter the employment conditions of temp workers. Agencies will be required to pay these workers at least the...