Electronic communications transmitted through social media platforms, such as Facebook, may be admissible as evidence in legal proceedings. The admissibility hinges on establishing authenticity and relevance to the case at hand. For example, a message threatening harm could be presented in a criminal trial if it directly relates to the alleged offense.
The potential use of social media posts as evidence has significant implications for both civil and criminal law. It offers a source of information that can corroborate or contradict witness testimony, establish intent, or demonstrate a pattern of behavior. Historically, reliance on such digital data has grown alongside the increasing prevalence of social media in everyday communication.