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In many cases they are, although not “all” it’s true.

What do you mean by "they are"?

I, too, don't understand how this is a legal issue given that people can talk face-to-face, or over non-recorded voice services. If it's written communication, what if you're writing things on whiteboards?

How would this not set a legal precedent that essentially requires all communication be through Slack/etc?

Depending on the content of your communication, you might be legally required to commit it to writing, be in the presence of someone transcribing it, etc. This is not exactly unheard of, especially wherever lawyers tread, such as the world of business.

I feel that many of these legal arguments have not caught up with modern technology. If we had had the capabilities we have today 100 years ago, I am sure the lawyers would have pushed for maximum recording of all things. But face to face discussions are some how grandfathered in.

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