Traditionally, private investigators relied on physical surveillance, interviews, and tangible evidence. However, the digital age has transformed this field, with social media becoming a crucial tool for online investigations and digital tracking. At Advanced Investigations, our Connecticut Private Detectives dive into social media’s vast user base to gain valuable insights into personal behavior, relationships, and activities. Please continue reading as we explore how private investigators utilize social media data to uncover the truth.
What is the Stored Communications Act (SCA)?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that the Stored Communications Act (SCA), part of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), safeguards the privacy of online communication stored by service providers, including emails, social media posts, and other online data. It restricts unauthorized access to this data, meaning law enforcement officers and private investigators cannot bridge the privacy of stored internet communications. Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are considered electronic communication service providers. However, private investigators can access publicly available content, which may include posts, comments, likes, and shares, to better understand a person.
What Evidence Can Private Investigators Find on Social Media?
Private investigators can examine photographs and videos for clues. They can analyze metadata associated with posts and pictures, such as timestamps and geolocation, to establish a sequence of events. If legally authorized, they may access private communications and interactions to gather further information. Under Federal law, social media is accessible for investigations when it comes to criminal cases. These platforms will cooperate with authorities. Private investigators are prohibited from hacking into any social media account to see what has been posted privately or collect private information about someone.
Digital evidence uncovered by private investigators can be used in a variety of cases, including the following:
- Court Cases: Social media can be used to verify alibis or provide supporting evidence in criminal and civil cases.
- Custody Battles: Investigators can gather evidence to support or discredit a parent’s custody claim by finding proof of neglect, substance abuse, child endangerment, or custody agreement violations.
- Missing Persons Cases: Metadata from posts or photos on social media can be analyzed to uncover recent whereabouts and connections.
- Background Checks: It can also be used to establish the character of a job candidate by looking at their lifestyle, associations, and other relevant information.
As you can see, private investigators often find a wealth of information on social media, including location data, relationships, interests, activities, and even potentially incriminating behavior. This evidence can be used to establish character, verify alibis, or find supporting data for various cases. If you are considering hiring a private investigator, please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated team at Advanced Investigations to learn how we use digital forensics to uncover truths and deliver justice.
