In legal investigations, screenshots of social media content might seem like a quick solution—but they often fall short. Without metadata or supporting context, the court may reject screenshots as inadmissible. That’s why preserving online evidence in native file format is essential in social media and open-source intelligence.
Why Screenshots Aren’t Enough
We are all used to taking screenshots. Whether it’s a funny meme, a conversation, or a confirmation page, screenshots are convenient for personal use – but not for the court.
Screenshots:
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Don’t include metadata (like time stamps, author ID, or edit history)
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Can be easily altered
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Don’t reflect interactive features (likes, comments, reactions)
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May fail authentication standards in legal proceedings
Many judges and magistrates reject screenshots as legal evidence because they lack reliability and traceability.
What is native file format?
The native file is the original file in the exact format it was created by its source application. It’s not a copy, image, or screenshot – it’s the actual post, page, or message generated by the platform.
A native file package typically includes:
- The raw post or message
- A load file with metadata: author, timestamps, geolocation, edits, and more
- A format that maintains interactivity such as links, embedded media, or comment threads
This format preserves all electronically stored information (ESI) tied to content, making it easier to verify and harder to dispute.
Why native file preservation is important
Capturing evidence in native file format ensures your data:
- Meets evidentiary authentication requirements
- Preserves full post-level context, not just surface content
- Includes author identity, creation date, edit history, and tracked changes
- Maintains chain of custody, critical for legal admissibility
Don’t let screenshots ruin your strategy. They simply don’t hold up when challended in a courtroom.
Work with Experts in Native File Collection
At SMI Aware, we specialize in collecting and preserving social media and online evidence the right way. Our team:
- Collects data in native file format
- Preserves source code
- Creates a verifiable chain of custody
- Follows defensible, court-approved methods for evidence collection and preservation
Whether you’re handling a civil case, compliance matter, or internal investigation, we help ensure your OSINT evidence is collected in a compliance, admissible manner.
Ready to Strengthen Your Online Evidence?
Contact us to learn how SMI Aware can help your organization locate, investigate, and preserve critical online evidence in native file format.
