Recorder playbook · Keep every clip clean The easiest rule is simple: keep other people and personal information out of frame when you can. If an adult unexpectedly enters a recording in Texas, there is a straightforward way to ask for permission without restarting the whole task.

​
The three rules to remember

No minors

Never record a child. If someone may be under 18, stop and keep them out of the clip.

Keep PII out

Avoid badges, plates, addresses, screens, documents, mail, and other identifying details.

Ask adults

An adult who appears needs a signed release or, for a truly incidental Texas bystander, a recorded verbal yes.

​
If an adult walks into frame in Texas

This quick option is only for an incidental adult bystander, meaning someone who is not the recorder, not part of the task, and not being featured or followed by the camera.

Ask right away

Keep the camera recording long enough to capture the question and answer. Say:
“This camera records video and audio for opentez. opentez may use the footage to develop AI systems and may include it in commercial AI-training datasets provided to other companies. Are you okay with being recorded and with opentez using the footage that way?”

Listen for a clear yes

The adult must give an audible, unambiguous yes. A nod, silence, or simply staying in the room is not enough.

Mark the consent

Note the clip name and the exact timestamp of the question and answer. Tell your SPL that you used the Texas verbal-bystander script.

Use only what follows

Footage from before the disclosure and answer does not qualify. Continue only after the recorded yes.
If the person says no, seems unsure, or may be under 18, stop recording and continue after they leave. That is all you need to do.

​
When you need the signed Subject Release

Use the full Subject Release when the person:
  • is deliberately taking part in the task;
  • is featured, interviewed, followed, or repeatedly visible;
  • will be singled out in a sample, description, or individual annotation;
  • is being recorded outside Texas, or the recording state is uncertain; or
  • is covered by a project that specifically requires a signed release.
The verbal option never covers facial recognition, voiceprints, identity matching, or other biometric identification. It also does not permit recording private conversations. Keep private conversations out of every clip.

​
Before you upload

Submit every required consent record with the session. For a Texas verbal bystander, that means the clip containing the full question and audible yes, plus the clip name, consent timestamp, and script version given by your SPL.
When you are unsure which option applies, use the signed Subject Release or ask your SPL. Both are quick, and either one keeps the footage easy to accept.

​
Why this matters

opentez accepts footage with a clear, documented chain of consent. A simple record of who agreed, what they agreed to, and where that consent appears keeps the footage useful and easy to verify.

What makes a clip valuable

The full picture of why clean provenance matters most.