Why Google Search Evidence Can’t Be Trusted
Many administrators turn to Google search evidence for research on a target for trial. However, this approach is a big mistake.
Why Search Engine Results Are Inconsistent
Most people don’t realize that Google, Bing, and other search engines personalize results. They adjust what you see based on your location, search history, and other personal factors. As a result, two people using the same search terms often see very different results. This makes search engine evidence inconsistent and unreliable.
How SMI Aware Solves the Problem
At SMI Aware, we solve this problem by combining proprietary search technology with expert human analysis. Our process ensures consistency, accuracy, and defensibility.
Online Evidence Can Be Manipulated
Consider this common scenario: an administrator collects online evidence, only to face objections in court. Why? Because online content is easy to manipulate. For example, someone can alter a webpage, take a screenshot of the change, and present it as evidence. It’s also possible to Photoshop fake tweets or posts that someone never actually wrote. If you doubt this, think about how convincing movie special effects have become. Altering text or images online is far easier—and the potential legal stakes only increase the motivation.
Chain of Custody Is Essential
Because of these risks, it’s critical to establish a clear chain of custody for any evidence you collect. Even more importantly, you must be able to reproduce the results. If an administrator claims she found key evidence through a Google search, she may not be able to recreate those results—even when using the same search query.
Leave Investigations to Experts
This issue doesn’t mean your administrator lacks skill. Rather, it means that conducting sensitive investigations falls outside her role. That’s where SMI Aware comes in. Our experts specialize in collecting, preserving, and documenting online evidence. We ensure the material is legitimate, unaltered, and ready for trial.
Learn More
In summary, when you need reliable online evidence, don’t trust Google searches. Trust the team at SMI Aware.
Want to see how we work? Contact SMI Aware to learn more about how we can support your web investigations.
