Social Media Contacts for Law Enforcement
PLEASE NOTE: For social media channels, it is advisable to include a non-disclosure clause as part of the subpoena. Most social media company policies require member notification unless the legal service specifically forbids it.
Social media companies typically honor preservation requests, which involves taking a snapshot of the member account/profile when the request is received, which can protect potential evidence from being deleted or modified. However, the snapshot may only be maintained for a limited time, as each company has its own policy.
Most social media requests must be submitted via email, including some emergency services. Generally, non-law enforcement requests are rejected or ignored, determined by whether the email is sent from a law enforcement domain (e.g., ending in .gov).
Facebook & Instagram
Law Enforcement Guidelines
Snap Chat
Snap Chat Law Enforcement Guide
Law Enforcement Hotline 424-272-5085
WhatsApp Online Request System
Microsoft
Microsoft/Skype/Xbox/Skype Responding to Law Enforcement Records
Twitter Guideline for Law Enforcement
Emergency requests