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Social Media Data in Digital Forensics Investigations

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Digital Forensic Education

Part of the book series: Studies in Big Data ((SBD,volume 61))

Abstract

Evidence collected from social media presents valuable information that should not be overlooked. Evidence can be captured from social media using multiple methods including searching publicly viewable content, reviewing content metadata, soliciting and investigating interactions with other users, and utilizing legal holds. After the evidence is gathered, it can be utilized in various ways. Social media evidence can be used to create a timeline of events, show intent or conspiracy, and establish connections between persons. Digital forensics investigations can be used to collect such evidence. The evidence accumulated from social media is far-reaching and widely advantageous. However, there are many legal issues that can affect the collection and ultimate legal admissibility of this evidence. Evidence must be collected using careful, correct procedures and in a manner that ensures its integrity. The ethical implications of the collection of social media evidence also plays a role in these digital forensics investigations. These issues can present adverse circumstances for cases. Nonetheless, social media offers various avenues for the collection and use of its data as evidence within a digital forensics investigation. The advantageous and disadvantageous aspects of this use are discussed in this chapter.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Information System and Cyber Security, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Ashleigh Powell & Cydnee Haynes

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  1. Ashleigh Powell
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  2. Cydnee Haynes
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Correspondence to Ashleigh Powell .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Information Systems and Cyber Security, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Xiaolu Zhang

  2. Department of Information Systems and Cyber Security, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Kim-Kwang Raymond Choo

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Powell, A., Haynes, C. (2020). Social Media Data in Digital Forensics Investigations. In: Zhang, X., Choo, KK. (eds) Digital Forensic Education. Studies in Big Data, vol 61. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23547-5_14

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