When someone goes missing, they rarely disappear without a trace.

In today’s connected world, people leave behind digital footprints, online accounts, electronic records, and data trails that continue to exist long after contact has stopped. Investigators often refer to this collection of evidence as a digital shadow.

At Deepdive Investigations, understanding and interpreting these digital traces is a critical part of modern private investigation work in Australia.

What Is a Digital Shadow?

A digital shadow is the trail of electronic and online information a person leaves behind, intentionally or unintentionally, after they go missing or lose contact with family.

This may include:

• Social media profiles and activity

• Email and messaging accounts

• Mobile phone usage and metadata

• Online financial or subscription records

• Employment and professional profiles

• DNA profiles used in genealogical research

Individually, these traces may appear insignificant. When analysed together, they often provide valuable insight into a person’s movements, relationships, and decisions.

Why Digital Evidence Matters in Missing Person Investigations

Modern investigations rely on pattern analysis, not assumptions.

Digital evidence can help identify:

• The last known point of contact or activity

• Behavioural changes prior to disappearance

• Previously unknown relationships or connections

• Signs of distress, planning, or withdrawal

• Possible relocation, identity changes, or interstate movement

In Australia, where people frequently move for work, family, or lifestyle reasons, digital records often bridge gaps left by traditional paper-based records.

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Australia

Accessing digital information is governed by Australian privacy and data protection laws, including the Privacy Act 1988.

Professional investigators must:

• Operate within strict legal boundaries

• Respect privacy and consent requirements

• Ensure evidence is obtained lawfully

• Avoid actions that could compromise an investigation or future legal proceedings

At Deepdive Investigations, ethical practice is as important as technical capability. Responsible use of digital information protects both clients and the integrity of the investigation.

Where Private Investigation and Genealogy Intersect

Not all searches begin with a recent disappearance.

Many clients contact Deepdive Investigations while researching family history, only to discover:

• A relative who vanished from records

• Inconsistent names, dates, or locations

• Unexplained gaps in family timelines

• DNA matches that don’t align with known family history

Advances in DNA testing and online records have transformed genealogical research in Australia, particularly in cases involving adoption, unknown parentage, post-war migration, or long-term family estrangement.

When combined with professional investigation methods, genealogy can provide answers that once seemed unattainable.

Every Missing Person Leaves a Story Behind

Behind every investigation is a person and behind every person is a story.

Not all investigations lead to reunions or definitive answers. However, careful analysis of available evidence can often bring clarity, context, and understanding to families who have lived with uncertainty for years.

The role of a private investigator is not simply to locate someone, but to assemble the facts with accuracy, discretion, and compassion.

Looking Ahead: Investigations in 2026 and Beyond

As technology continues to evolve, so too does the responsibility that comes with it.

The future of private investigation in Australia depends on:

• Ethical use of digital tools

• Ongoing understanding of privacy legislation

• Combining traditional investigative methods with modern technology

• Maintaining a human-centred approach to complex and sensitive cases

Digital shadows are not just data, they represent lives, relationships, and unanswered questions that deserve careful and respectful handling.

Need Professional Assistance?

If you are searching for a missing person, attempting to trace a lost family connection, or facing unanswered questions in your family history, Deepdive Investigations can help.

Every story leaves a trail. Our role is to follow it with care.

© 2026 Deepdive Investigations. All rights reserved.

Trigger Warning: Discusses Missing People

Why People Go Missing in Australia -And What You Can Do If It Happens:

In Australia, more than 50,000 missing person reports are made each year. Thankfully, most are found quickly -around 86% within a week but some remain missing for much longer, leaving families and friends with ongoing uncertainty and distress.

If someone you care about vanishes, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Here’s a clear look at why people go missing, what to do next, and how a private investigator can support the search.

Why People Go Missing in Australia

There are countless reasons someone might go missing — and most aren’t related to crime. Often, it’s deeply personal: a response to pressure, mental health challenges, or family conflict. The Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) highlights the complexity of each case.

Some of the most common reasons include:

·       Mental Health Challenges Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues can cause people to isolate themselves or leave unexpectedly.

·       Domestic or Family Violence People escaping abuse often leave without notice, especially when they feel threatened.

·       Teenage Conflict Young people, particularly teenagers, may run away after arguments or emotional stress.

·       Financial Pressure or Homelessness Job loss, debt, or housing instability can lead individuals to withdraw or disappear from regular contact.

·       Drug or Alcohol Use Substance misuse may sever social ties and lead people into unsafe or hidden living conditions.

·       Dementia or Cognitive Conditions Older Australians living with dementia or Alzheimer’s may become disoriented and wander off.

·       Suicidal Thoughts or Mental Health Crisis Sadly, some people go missing due to crises related to suicidal ideation or trauma.

·       Getting Lost in Nature Australia’s vast wilderness can become dangerous for bushwalkers, campers, or solo travellers who lose their way.

What To Do If Someone You Know Goes Missing

If someone disappears and it’s out of character, act quickly. Contrary to common myths, there is no mandatory waiting period in Australia to report a missing person.

✔️ Report It Immediately

Contact your local police station. If you believe the person is in immediate danger, dial 000. Provide as much detail as possible: last known location, what they were wearing, known medical or mental health concerns, and daily routines.

✔️ Check In With Others

Reach out to their friends, neighbours, coworkers, or anyone they might have recently contacted. Sometimes people reach out quietly or unexpectedly.

✔️ Review Digital Footprints

Where appropriate, check for signs of social media activity, messages, banking use, or phone location. These can offer valuable clues.

✔️ Consider a Public Appeal

With guidance from police, you may consider posting a missing person’s notice online or in your local community. Public awareness can help bring new leads.

Why Hiring a Private Investigator Can Help

Hiring a licensed private investigator (PI) can provide additional support and resources alongside a police investigation.

*Rapid Response

PIs can start immediately — with no red tape or backlog.

*Focused Attention

While police juggle many cases, a PI can give your case dedicated attention.

*Access to Professional Tools

PIs may legally access certain databases and use techniques like skip tracing, surveillance, and digital tracking.

*Ground-Level Investigations

PIs can follow leads in real time and conduct physical searches across metro and regional areas.

*Discretion and Support

Experienced investigators know how emotionally tough this is. They act with compassion, keep information confidential, and communicate clearly with loved ones.

Support Services That Can Help

You’re not alone. These organisations offer support, advice, and counselling:

·Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 mental health support for anyone in crisis)

·Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 (Support for anxiety, depression, and related issues)

·National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) www.missingpersons.gov.au

·Missing Persons Advocacy Network (MPAN)

www.mpan.com.au

*Sources

1.Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) – Missing Persons: Incidence, Issues and Impacts

aic.gov.au/publications/tandi/tandi144

2.National Missing Persons Coordination Centre (NMPCC) www.missingpersons.gov.au

3.ShunCulture – How Many Missing Persons Are Never Found in Australia?

shunculture.com/article/how-many-missing-persons-are-never-found-in-australia

4.Lifeline Australia – Mental health crisis support

www.lifeline.org.au

5.The Daily Telegraph – Hopefulness, hopelessness: Loved ones of missing persons in limbo

dailytelegraph.com.au

© 2025 Deepdive Investigations. All rights reserved.

Understanding Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) and the Role of Private Investigators in Queensland: ( We have also applied this to our work in Victoria)

Domestic and family violence (DFV) is a deeply harmful issue affecting many people in Australia. This violence can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional manipulation, financial control, and coercive control -a pattern of behaviour where one person seeks to dominate and restrict the freedoms of another.

The Important Role of Private Investigators in Preventing DFV

If you’re thinking about hiring a licensed private investigator, it’s important to understand their role in preventing harm related to DFV. Licensed private investigators in Queensland must:

·       Ensure their work does not contribute to or worsen DFV or coercive control.

·       Identify and respond appropriately to any risks of harm related to DFV throughout their work.

·       Act ethically and professionally, placing the safety and wellbeing of victim-survivors as a top priority.

·       Communicate clearly with clients about these responsibilities.

Why You’ll Be Asked to Sign a Domestic Violence Declaration

Before accepting instructions, private investigators will ask clients to sign a Domestic Violence Declaration. This declaration:

·       Explains the private investigator’s duty to prevent their services from facilitating or worsening DFV.

·       Explains to clients that investigations must not be used to control, intimidate, or harm others.

·       Helps establish open communication about DFV risks and responsibilities.

Domestic and family violence causes significant emotional, physical, and psychological harm, and private investigators must take reasonable steps to verify information, assess risks, and prevent contributing to these harms. If a risk is identified, investigators may pause or terminate their involvement to protect those at risk.

How Private Investigators Manage Risk

Private investigators use practical risk management steps, including:

·       Learning to recognise signs of DFV and coercive control, such as surveillance, stalking, verbal or financial abuse, and threats.

·       Conducting risk assessments at every stage—when engaging clients, accepting instructions, and sharing information.

·       Asking clients for additional information or documentation if there are concerns about potential harm.

·       Seeking guidance from industry bodies or professionals when unsure about best practices.

·       Taking swift action, including contacting emergency services (Triple Zero 000), if someone’s safety is at immediate risk.

How Police Investigate Domestic and Family Violence

Queensland police take reports of DFV seriously and must investigate if they reasonably suspect violence is occurring or has occurred. The Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 guides police in prioritising the safety of everyone involved, including victims, alleged perpetrators, and children. Reporting DFV to the police ensures trained officers respond promptly and take necessary measures to protect those at risk.

Support Services Available

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or family violence, confidential support is available through various helplines:

·       DVConnect Women’s Line: 1800 811 811

·       DVConnect Men’s Line: 1800 600 636

·       1800RESPECT (sexual assault and DFV counselling): 1800 737 732

·       MensLine Australia (men’s counselling): 1300 789 978

·       Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14

In EMERGENCIES -always call 000.

Preventing domestic and family violence requires the combined efforts of the community, police, support services, and professionals like private investigators. If you engage our private investigator, you can trust that they are bound by clear ethical and legal obligations to act with care, respect, and a focus on safety.

If you have questions or concerns about DFV, investigations, or support services, don’t hesitate to reach out. You’re not alone, and help is available.

Source: Department of Justice / Office of Fair Trading QLD

https://www.publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/oft-compliance-documents/resource/575362cc-4fd6-4a95-af95-5d423a3857f4

© 2025 Deepdive Investigations. All rights reserved.

Two Skillsets, One Powerful Solution: Why Your Case Needs Both Investigation AND Genealogy

When traditional investigative methods hit a wall, it’s often not because the case is unsolvable, it’s because the right tools haven’t been used yet. That’s where combining private investigation with professional genealogy can make all the difference.

Why Combine Investigation and Genealogy?

Most private investigators are skilled in surveillance, interviewing witnesses, and accessing modern databases. These are invaluable techniques for locating people, verifying identities, and solving contemporary problems.

But what happens when the answers are buried in the past?

When cases involve adoption, inheritance, identity verification, or family history, traditional investigation alone often falls short. That’s where genealogical training becomes essential because solving modern mysteries sometimes requires a deep understanding of the historical context that created them.

What Genealogical Expertise Adds

As both a licensed private investigator and professional genealogist, I bridge the gap between past and present. This dual skillset unlocks access to tools and methodologies that go far beyond standard investigative practices.

Here’s how genealogical expertise enhances investigations:

·       Historical Record Access Genealogists are trained to navigate archives most investigators never touch. From convict transportation lists and assisted migration records to parish registers and estate files, these resources often contain the missing links modern databases can’t provide.

·       Document Interpretation Understanding colonial handwriting, historical naming patterns, and cross-jurisdictional record-keeping is a skillset in itself. I regularly work with documents that are handwritten, centuries old, or damaged and still extract reliable evidence from them.

·       Methodological Rigor Genealogy follows the Genealogical Proof Standard—a structured research method that ensures all findings are thoroughly sourced, cross-verified, and documented. This level of rigor is essential when preparing evidence for legal use in Australia.

·       Legal Relevance Many cases require evidence that stands up in court or before government agencies. Combining investigative tools with genealogy produces documentation that meets standards for family law matters, inheritance claims, citizenship applications, and more.

Language Matters: Why Italian and German Help Trace International Roots

Many Australian families have deep connections to Europe, particularly Italy and Germany. Our investigators are multilingual, which allows them to access and interpret original-language records with confidence, no need to rely on flawed translations or incomplete summaries.

This is especially useful when:

·       Accessing parish registers, emigration lists, and civil records in Italian or German archives

·       Communicating with local archivists or registrars overseas

·       Navigating regional dialects, naming conventions, or handwritten records

·       Researching families that migrated to Australia from Europe during the 19th or 20th century

·       Translating historical documents accurately for legal purposes or family verification

Language barriers can be one of the biggest obstacles in international genealogical research.

Why This Combination Is Rare but Powerful

Offering both investigation and genealogy isn’t common, simply because it takes years of training in two distinct disciplines. Genealogy demands expertise in:

·       Australian historical research techniques

·       Colonial and interstate record-keeping

·       Specialist archives and genealogy databases

·       DNA analysis and privacy legislation

·       Court-standard evidence preparation

·       Multilingual research across European archives

Most investigators focus on modern methods alone. But in cases where historical context or international records matter, you need someone who can speak both languages, literally and professionally.

When to Consider a Genealogical Approach

Not every investigation requires genealogical research but many benefit from it. If your case involves any of the following, it may be time to bring both skillsets to the table:

·       Adoption: Sealed records or defunct agencies can halt traditional searches.

·       Inheritance: Proving family connections may require old certificates, wills, or migration records.

·       Identity Verification: Citizenship or Centrelink matters often involve ancestry proof.

·       Missing Persons: When the trail goes cold in past generations or after interstate moves.

·       Cold Cases: Historical patterns may offer new leads.

·       International Records: Especially from Italy, Germany, or broader European sources.

Ready to Move Forward?

If your case keeps hitting walls in modern records, or if you suspect the answers lie a generation or several generations back, it may be time to take a different approach.

© 2025 Deepdive Investigations. All rights reserved.

DNA testing has transformed the way we explore identity, family connections, and long-held personal mysteries. But while consumer DNA kits can give you a list of distant cousins or an ethnicity estimate, turning that data into concrete answers, ilke finding a birth parent or verifying a family connection this requires far more than a test tube and a login.

This is where genetic genealogy meets investigative expertise.

What Is Genetic Genealogy in Investigation?

Genetic genealogy combines DNA testing with traditional genealogical research and modern private investigation techniques. It’s not just about getting results from a DNA kit, it's about interpreting those results, building family trees, and confirming identities through methodical research and real-world investigation.

Here’s how the process typically works:

Phase 1: Strategic DNA Testing

Not all DNA tests are equal. Part of my job is knowing which companies have the best databases for Australian cases, when to recommend additional testing (like Y-DNA or mtDNA), and how to encourage potential relatives to test if needed.

Phase 2: Match Analysis

With thousands of DNA matches, it’s essential to know which ones matter. Genetic genealogy training helps identify key matches, understand relationship predictions, and construct family trees that lead to the right branches and ultimately, to the right people.

Phase 3: Investigative Verification

DNA might show that someone is likely a second cousin, but it won’t give you a name, address, or willingness to engage. That’s where investigative skills come in searching databases, conducting discreet field inquiries, and making sensitive contact when appropriate.

Why Combine DNA with Traditional Investigation?

Anyone can submit a DNA sample. But solving real-world cases using that data requires much more:

·       Navigating Privacy Laws Australia's privacy legislation restricts how DNA information can be used and shared. I work within these legal boundaries while still uncovering meaningful leads.

·       Handling Sensitive Discoveries DNA doesn’t always reveal happy stories. Mis-attributed parentage, affairs, or long-hidden secrets can come to light. As a licensed investigator, I approach these findings with discretion, empathy, and experience.

·       Verifying Relationships DNA can point to likely connections, but legal or personal outcomes often require proof. I confirm findings through historical documentation, additional testing, or court-accepted genealogical methods.

·       Managing Expectations Not every case has a storybook ending. Some relatives may have passed away, declined contact, or never knew of the situation. I help clients approach the process with realistic timelines and goals.

When DNA Investigation Is Most Effective:

Genetic genealogy is particularly valuable in cases where documentation is missing, destroyed, or never existed. Common use cases include:

·       Adoption Searches Especially when records are sealed or agencies no longer exist, DNA can bypass bureaucratic dead ends and uncover living family connections.

·       Paternity Questions DNA offers definitive answers in cases of disputed or unknown paternity, while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

·       Indigenous Heritage DNA can help verify Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander ancestry when traditional family stories have been disrupted by past government policies.

·       Cold Cases When older investigative methods have failed, DNA may reveal family connections that lead to new evidence or living witnesses.

·       International Origins Particularly useful for tracing Australian families back to the UK, Ireland, Germany, Italy, or other countries—especially when overseas records are difficult to access or incomplete.

The Limitations of DNA Alone

While DNA is powerful, it has limits:

·       Database Gaps Australian representation in DNA databases is improving, but still smaller than in the US or UK.

·       Unresponsive Matches Not everyone replies to contact attempts, and many DNA matches maintain private trees.

·       Time-Sensitive Opportunities Older generations may not be represented in DNA databases, and some leads fade with time.

This is why DNA should never stand alone, it must be supported by traditional genealogical methods and investigative follow-up. Together, these tools can often solve what once seemed unsolvable.

Start with a DNA Case Assessment

If you're considering genetic genealogy, the first step is a DNA case assessment. During this consultation, we’ll review:

·       What you currently know about your family or situation

·       Whether your case would benefit from DNA testing

·       Which family members (if any) should test

·       Realistic outcomes and timeframes

·       How DNA and traditional investigation would work together

When DNA is the right tool, and it's applied with precision and care, it can unlock the past in a way that nothing else can.

© 2025 Deepdive Investigations. All rights reserved.

The Smart Investment: Why Genealogical Expertise Saves You Time and Money

When you're trying to uncover family history, solve adoption mysteries, or settle inheritance questions, many people assume a general private investigator (PI) is all they need. But these cases often require historical knowledge, emotional sensitivity, and legally sound documentation, areas where genealogical expertise offers a distinct advantage.

The Hidden Costs of Traditional Investigations

Private investigators excel at modern techniques—credit checks, surveillance, online research—but they can fall short when a case reaches into the past or crosses borders. Here’s why:

1. Limited Access to Historical Records

PI's typically use current databases. But genealogical cases often depend on:

• Birth, death, and marriage records

• Historical census and immigration data

• Archived newspapers and land documents

These aren't usually part of standard PI subscriptions, meaning wasted time and extra outsourcing costs.

2. Lack of Historical Research Methodology

Genealogy demands a specialized approach:

• Building backwards from verified facts

• Prioritizing the most promising record sets

• Validating evidence before drawing conclusions

Without this structure, even skilled investigators risk dead ends and expensive detours.

3. Specialized Knowledge is Essential

Older records require familiarity with:

• What documents exist and where to find them

• Historical legal systems and terminology

• Deciphering old handwriting

Misinterpreting just one record can send a case in the wrong direction.

The Genealogical Efficiency Advantage

Professional genealogists bring specialized tools, strategies, and networks that increase efficiency and reduce costs.

🔍 Access to the Right Databases

Genealogists invest in and know how to navigate:

• Ancestry.com Professional

• Findmypast

• MyHeritage Complete

• Trove (National Library of Australia)

• State and international archives

It's not just about access, it's knowing how to use these tools to find accurate answers quickly.

📚 Proven Research Methodology

Experienced genealogists:

• Target the highest-yield sources

• Extract multiple clues from one record

• Separate speculation from evidence

• Know when proof is sufficient to move forward

This saves hours and prevents costly mistakes.

🤝 Professional Networks

Genealogists often collaborate with:

• Archive staff and librarians

• Historical societies

• International researchers

These relationships provide access to rare materials and insight beyond what's available through commercial tools.

Why Efficiency Matters

Hiring a genealogist isn’t just about getting better answers, it’s about getting them faster and more cost-effectively, especially when time, emotions, or legal factors are involved.

⏱️ Time-Sensitive Situations

Deadlines in legal cases or personal needs for closure mean speed matters. Genealogists can reduce a year-long search to just weeks.

💔 Emotional Toll

Chasing dead ends can be exhausting. A professional approach avoids wasted effort and brings closure sooner.

🧾 Legal Accuracy

In inheritance, probate, or citizenship cases, accuracy and documentation are critical. Genealogists provide legally sound reports and verifiable evidence.

💬 Sensitive Family Outreach

Contacting biological relatives requires discretion. Trained genealogists know how to approach these situations respectfully, keeping communication open and not shut down.

When Genealogical Expertise Pays Off

Hiring a genealogist is a smart investment in cases like:

• Complex Family Trees: Adoptions, name changes, and remarriages confuse traditional searches.

• Historical Research: Anything pre-1950s requires archival access and interpretation skills.

• DNA-Based Cases: Interpreting DNA matches requires experience; mistakes here can waste months.

• Legal Deadlines: Genealogists can meet time-sensitive legal demands with accurate results.

• International/Interstate Searches: Professionals know how to work across jurisdictions efficiently.

Is It Right for Your Case?

Ask yourself:

• Is the family history complex?

• Are legal deadlines or emotional stakes involved?

• Have prior efforts produced little progress?

• Will historical or international research be needed?

• Do you need a legal report or help contacting relatives?

If you answered yes to any of the above, genealogical expertise isn’t just helpful, it’s essential!

© 2025 Deepdive Investigations. All rights reserved.

In today’s digital world, what people share online can reveal more about them than they realise. From carefully curated Instagram posts to offhand comments on Facebook, social media has become one of the most powerful tools in modern private investigations.

Whether it’s verifying alibis, uncovering hidden relationships, or tracing online activity in legal matters, investigators are increasingly turning to digital footprints to track down the truth.

But in Australia and specifically in Victoria and Queensland—using social media in investigations comes with important legal and ethical considerations. Let’s explore how it works, what can be legally accessed, and how investigators use online platforms to uncover facts behind the screen.

What Is a Social Media Investigation?

A social media investigation is the process of collecting and analysing publicly available online information from platforms.

This method of investigation falls under Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) data that is freely and lawfully accessible online. Investigators use it to:

·       Locate people or assets

·       Investigate claims in family or civil matters

·       Verify employment or lifestyle claims

·       Identify relationships, affiliations, or whereabouts

·       Build a timeline of activity

Types of Cases That Use Social Media Evidence

Social media plays a role in a wide range of investigations. Some of the most common include:

·       Family law cases (e.g. parenting disputes, custody matters, or partner surveillance)

·       Infidelity and relationship investigations

·       Workplace misconduct or social media breaches

·       Insurance or injury fraud

·       Missing persons and debtor tracking

·       Defamation or online harassment cases

Even one photo, post, or comment can change the direction of an investigation, especially when matched with timestamps, location tags, and associated metadata.

What Investigators Look For

While every case is different, common digital clues include:

·       Photos and videos showing places, people, and timelines

·       Metadata such as geolocation, time, and device type

·       Public comments, likes, and shares to assess behaviour or intent

·       Tagged photos and check-ins that contradict statements

·       Friends or followers lists to identify hidden connections

·       Archived or deleted posts, if cached or captured before removal

These clues often help establish where someone was, who they were with, or what they were doing which is particularly useful when someone’s story doesn’t align with the facts.

What If Someone Isn’t on Social Media?

Even if a person isn’t active on social platforms, others often post about them. These indirect digital traces are known as “shadow profiles.”

For example:

·       A tagged photo reveals their presence at an event

·       A coworker posts about a recent job change

·       A friend checks in at a location while they’re together

In many cases, investigators piece together information from multiple sources to form a full picture of someone’s movements or behaviour.

Legal Considerations in Victoria and Queensland

In both states, using social media in investigations must comply with privacy and surveillance laws. While OSINT tools can access public information, investigators must not cross the line into illegal surveillance or unauthorised data access.

Note: Public social media content does not fall under these restrictions. However, accessing private accounts without permission, through impersonation, fake profiles, or password guessing can breach the law and result in criminal charges.

📜 Privacy and Data Collection

Under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), private investigators are permitted to collect personal information where it is:

·       Reasonably necessary for an investigation

·       Collected lawfully and fairly

·       Not excessively intrusive or misleading

However, private information must be stored securely and handled responsibly, especially if used in legal proceedings.

⚖️ Using Social Media Evidence in Court

To be admissible in Victorian or Queensland courts, evidence must be collected legally, documented properly, and presented with context.

Key factors for admissibility include:

·       The lawfulness of collection (no impersonation or illegal access)

·       A clear chain of custody (when, where, and how the data was collected)

·       Accurate timestamps and metadata

·       Unaltered, original content (screenshots, URLs, source data)

Courts can exclude evidence under Section 138 of the Evidence Act 2008 (Vic) and Section 130 of the Evidence Act 1977 (Qld) if it was improperly or illegally obtained, even if relevant.

Social media is dynamic posts can be deleted, edited, or restricted. Acting promptly and legally is essential.

 © 2025 Deepdive Investigations. All rights reserved.