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

The sex offender register

The sex offender register - Guide..

Speeding motoring offences

Speeding motoring offences
Over 100,000 motorists are caught speeding each year, many have attended speed awareness courses, many were fined and received point..

Digital Crime ‘the new front line’.

The Law Commission has called for a full review of the law dealing with digital crime...

What is a Section 60 notice?

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

link

Double Jeopardy Law

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

Wilful Neglect.

Social workers could face up to five years in jail should they prove guilty of wilful neglect towards children, if consultation decides to extend the law to inc..

Plea services launched online.

Plea services launched on-line for motoring offences -
The Government has launched a new service that allows motorists charged with summary offences to enter a..

Stop and Search Laws to be changed?

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

link

Appointing a Solicitor

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

Children and the Law Leaving a child at home.

There is no age laid down by the law stating when your child is old enough to be left home alone; however, it is against the law to leave a child home alone if..

Social Media hampering police investigations.

Its time social media worked better with the police...

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