Skip to Content

Social Media hampering police investigations.

Cressida Dick the Metropolitan Police Commissioner has called for social media companies to release information quicker when part of a police investigation.

The request comes after a suspect in the killing of a 13-year-old girl in Southampton was jailed for withholding his Facebook password, and was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment.

At present, it can be ‘either very protracted or almost impossible’ to obtain information from a social media company which, in certain circumstances, defies logic as predators end up being protected. Whilst it is not straightforward for a company such as Facebook to divulge information it must surely find a way when these rare but extreme situations arise.

In this case, the accused refused to give his password on two occasions when being questioned about the murder and sexual abuse of a minor, as a result, the police are unable to obtain information that could hugely assist their inquiries.

As Facebook is an American company it must comply with US Law, which means they do not have a duty to divulge any information to police outside of America, to obtain information a request must be made to the American Department of Justice for a disclosure order, which can take months and become very costly.

However, Facebook does have a choice and, in some cases, will divulge information instantly if life is at risk.

It is possible that because of the inaction of a social media platform a life will be put in danger and they need to review their stance on this before they become complicit in an avoidable tragedy or injustice.

Social Media hampering police investigations.
Image Description
related news
recent articles
Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

link

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' laws to defeat knife crime...

Double Jeopardy Law

What is Double Jeopardy? and is it still Law in the UK?..

Appointing a Solicitor

Guide to some of the factors people use when appointing a Solicitor...

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year..

link

law on legal highs to be reviewed

The law banning legal highs in the UK is to undergo an urgent review...

Injunctions.

How to apply for one, and what is an injunction? - If you are seeking an injunction we would recommend that you take immediate advice...

Neighbour Disputes | Trees and Hedges.

Neighbour Disputes can escalate to affect your life and enjoyment of your property, if handled in the wrong way they can cause tension and in some cases argumen..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

Police Chiefs are calling for a change in the 'stop and search' l..

link

What is a Section 60 notice?

Over 2000 section 60 notices have been issued in London last year, what are they and do they work?..

Reporting a Crime.

If the crime is ongoing call 999, you should not put yours or anyone else’s safety at risk by taking action yourself...

Criminal Law

..

Image Description
Is there anything wrong with this page? - any amendments will receive accreditation - email us

Solicitors.com are not a firm of solicitors, and any content on the site should not be used in substitute for obtaining Legal advice from a solicitor regulated in the UK, Solicitors.com recommends that you contact a firm of solicitors to discuss your individual legal requirement. Whilst we strive to bring you accurate up to date content, all content on this site is not legal advice and is not guaranteed to be correct. Use of this site does not create a client relationship.

Information by area of law
Back to top