R. Arunmozhi Devan, The Tamilnadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University, School of Excellence in Law, Chennai
ABSTRACT
Digital Evidence refers to any information that is stored or transmitted in digital form and can be used in a legal investigation or proceedings. The rapid growth of technology has made digital evidence an essential element of modern law enforcement, as it can provide a wealth of information and insights that would be impossible to obtain through traditional methods. Digital evidence can come in many forms, including emails, text messages, social messages, photos, videos and computer files. It can be used to support or refute allegations of criminal activity as well as to establish a timeline of events or to identify suspects or victims. However, the collection and preservation of digital evidence present unique challenges. Unlike physical evidence, digital evidence can be easily altered or deleted and its authenticity and integrity must be carefully established to ensure that it is admissible in court. To address these challenges, law enforcement agencies have developed specialised techniques and tools for digital evidence collection and analysis. These may include forensic software for data recovery and analysis, as well as specialised training for investigators. In addition to its use in criminal investigations, digital evidence has become increasingly important in civil cases as well, such as in cases involving intellectual property disputes or employment discrimination claims. Overall, the importance of digital evidence in modern law enforcement cannot be overstated. As technology continues to advances, the need for specialised expertise in digital forensics and evidence collection will only grow in importance.
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