Undertaking Effective Investigations A Guide for National Human Rights Institutions UN Photo by John Isaac. 3. SKYPE INTERVIEWS Many investigative agencies use Skype or similar technology, such as Facetime, to conduct interviews. This can be a very efficient and cost-effective method. Skype has all of the advantages of face-to-face interviewing, except for physically being in the same room as the interviewee. There are additional advantages. The advantages of using Skype for interviewing include: • there are no travel expenses • there is no time spent traveling • the set-up costs are minimal • there is minimal inconvenience for both the investigator and the interviewee • the interview can be audio or video recorded.33 The disadvantages of using Skype include: • not everyone has access to the technology • there may not be a reliable Internet connection during the interview • it is virtually impossible to know who is doing what, off camera • it may be more difficult to assess body language. 33 50 As discussed in Chapter 18, all audio and/or video recording of interviews should comply with whatever law on such activity applies in the NHRI’s jurisdiction. Consent should always be obtained from the interviewee.