The Impact Of Social Media Evidence On Legal Proceedings: Privacy And Authentication Issues
- IJLLR Journal
- Dec 25, 2024
- 1 min read
Hiral Gupta, Amity Law School, Noida
ABSTRACT
Social media has become a significant repository of evidence in modern legal proceedings, revolutionizing the way courts handle information. As platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter generate vast amounts of user data, their evidentiary value is increasingly recognized in both civil and criminal cases. However, this evolving trend raises critical legal and ethical challenges, particularly concerning privacy rights and the authentication of digital evidence.
This paper delves into the two-fold challenges stemming from social media evidence in legal contexts. First, it explores privacy issues, addressing the conflict between an individual's right to confidentiality and the public interest in justice. The analysis highlights key judicial decisions and statutory provisions that have shaped privacy norms in the digital age. Second, the paper delves into authentication challenges, emphasizing the need for stringent procedural safeguards to ensure the reliability and admissibility of social media evidence. Through case law analysis, it explores how courts verify the origin, authorship, and integrity of such evidence.
This paper also investigates the broader implications of relying on social media evidence, including the potential for misuse, the impact on procedural fairness, and the balance between technology and the law. The findings underscore the necessity for harmonizing technology and legal standards to protect fundamental rights while ensuring the effective administration of justice.
Keywords: Social Media Evidence, Privacy Rights, Authentication, Digital Evidence, Legal Proceedings, Judicial Decisions, Technological Integration, Fair Trial.
