Discussing the validity of remote depositions for federal cases and California cases
Are remote depositions valid in California state court?
Yes. CCP 2025.310 allows parties to take "a deposition by telephone or other remote electronic means." Although CCP 2025.310(b) says that a party (as opposed to non-party witness) "shall appear" at the deposition in person and be in the presence of the deposition officer, on March 27, 2020, Gavin Newsom changed the statute so that any deponent may be deposed remotely. A copy of Governor Newsom's order is available here.
Are remote depositions valid in federal court?
Yes. FRCP 30(b) allows depositions to be taken "by telephone or other remote means" so long as the parties agree.