THE VAULT DOCUMENT
Digital Evidence
Digital evidence refers to information stored, transmitted or created in digital form that is used to document an event, claim, investigation or research subject.
Within The Vault, digital evidence is increasingly important due to the widespread use of:
- Digital cameras.
- Mobile phones.
- Computers.
- Online databases.
- Social media.
- Digital recording equipment.
- Investigation software.
Digital evidence can provide valuable information, but like all evidence types it must be authenticated, contextualised and critically assessed.
A digital file demonstrates that information exists. Determining its origin, accuracy and meaning requires further examination.
Role of digital evidence
Digital evidence may be used to document:
- Photographs.
- Video recordings.
- Audio recordings.
- Emails and messages.
- Online reports.
- Metadata.
- Investigation records.
- Digital sensor readings.
- Archived documents.
Examples include:
- A photograph uploaded online claiming to show an unexplained object.
- A video shared on social media showing an alleged anomaly.
- Digital audio recordings from an investigation.
- Historical documents preserved as scanned files.
- Online discussions surrounding a case.
Digital evidence should always be considered within its original context.
Evaluating digital evidence
Digital evidence should be assessed using several factors.
Original source
The origin of a digital file is one of the most important considerations.
Consider:
- Who created the file?
- When was it created?
- Where did it originate?
- Is the original file available?
- Has it been downloaded, copied or re-uploaded?
- Who has had access to it?
A file with a clear history is generally more valuable than material with an unknown origin.
Authenticity
Digital evidence should be examined for:
- Editing.
- Manipulation.
- Altered metadata.
- Deepfakes.
- Artificial intelligence generation.
- Recompression.
- Missing information.
Modern digital tools make it increasingly easy to modify images, audio and video.
The absence of obvious manipulation does not automatically confirm a claim.
Metadata
Metadata is information stored within a digital file.
Examples include:
- Creation date.
- Device information.
- Camera settings.
- Location data.
- Software history.
Metadata can provide useful information, but it may also be:
- Removed.
- Altered.
- Incorrect.
- Automatically generated.
Metadata should be treated as supporting information rather than absolute proof.
Chain of custody
The history of a digital file should be documented where possible.
Important factors include:
- Who obtained the file?
- How was it stored?
- Has it been altered?
- Who analysed it?
- Are copies identical to the original?
Maintaining a clear chain of custody improves reliability.
Types of digital evidence
Digital photographs
Digital images may document:
- Locations.
- Objects.
- Events.
- Alleged anomalies.
Assessment may include:
- Original file examination.
- Metadata analysis.
- Image comparison.
- Editing detection.
See:
Digital video
Digital video evidence may include:
- Mobile phone recordings.
- Security camera footage.
- Investigation recordings.
- Online videos.
Assessment may include:
- Original footage.
- Editing history.
- Frame analysis.
- Source verification.
See:
Digital audio
Digital recordings may include:
- Interviews.
- Investigation recordings.
- Alleged EVP recordings.
- Environmental sounds.
Assessment may include:
- Audio analysis.
- Background noise evaluation.
- Recording conditions.
See:
Online evidence
The internet has become a major source of information for modern cases.
Examples include:
- Websites.
- Forums.
- Social media posts.
- Online videos.
- Digital archives.
Online information should be assessed carefully because:
- Content can disappear.
- Sources may be anonymous.
- Information may spread without verification.
- False information can become widely repeated.
Digital evidence and social media
Social media has changed how unusual events are reported.
Advantages include:
- Rapid access to eyewitness accounts.
- Immediate sharing of images and videos.
- Large amounts of available information.
Limitations include:
- Viral misinformation.
- Missing context.
- Edited content.
- Anonymous sources.
- Confirmation bias.
A widely shared piece of digital evidence is not necessarily reliable evidence.
Common explanations for digital evidence
Potential explanations include:
- Digital editing.
- Software effects.
- Compression artefacts.
- AI-generated content.
- Misidentification.
- Incorrect timestamps.
- False attribution.
- Context removal.
Alternative explanations should always be considered.
Digital evidence and investigations
Investigators using digital evidence should document:
- The original source.
- Collection methods.
- Equipment used.
- Analysis methods.
- Any processing performed.
Digital enhancement may improve visibility or clarity, but any changes should be recorded.
Example:
Original evidence:
"An image contains an unexplained shape."
Analysis:
"Software enhancement increased contrast and revealed additional details."
Interpretation:
"Some researchers suggested the shape represented an unknown object."
Each stage should remain separate.
Limitations of digital evidence
Digital evidence has particular challenges.
These include:
- Files can be easily copied.
- Content can be manipulated.
- Context may be lost.
- Sources may be difficult to verify.
- Digital tools can create realistic fabrications.
The existence of a digital file does not automatically confirm its authenticity or interpretation.
Digital evidence and evidence ratings
Within The Vault, digital evidence is assessed alongside other available information.
Factors include:
- Original source.
- Authenticity.
- Metadata.
- Chain of custody.
- Technical analysis.
- Independent verification.
- Alternative explanations.
Digital evidence may contribute significantly to a case assessment, particularly when independently verified.
See:
Writing guidelines
When describing digital evidence, articles should distinguish between:
The digital material
What exists as a file, recording or online source.
The interpretation
What someone believes the material represents.
Preferred:
"The image was uploaded online and has been claimed to show an unidentified object."
Avoid:
"The image proves an unidentified object was present."
Preferred:
"The authenticity of the file remains disputed."
Avoid:
"The file is fake."
unless supported by evidence.