ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we analyse the work of wiretap translators from a threefold perspective. First, we present the legal framework of this professional activity in Spain. To do so, we take as a reference various court rulings and the contractual specifications of the wiretap translation service, outsourced since 2008, and the training that these companies offer to translators. Second, we review academic and professional experience requirements, especially in languages such as Arabic for which no postgraduate training – or even a bachelor degree – is required. Third, we analyse the skills translators need to work in this specialised field, and the challenges they must face. Due to the Spanish data protection law, the examples used are from our own experience as expert translators, as trainers of translators in various masters degrees in translation and interpreting in Spain, and from published court rulings.
