Written questions

Crime: Social Media

Commons · Question 28429 · Tabled 9 Sep 2026 · Home Office · Official record

Answered 14 Sep 2026

Question

Asked by Matt Vickers

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance is available to police forces on the collection and preservation of social media content posted by suspected offenders for use as evidence in criminal investigations; and whether she has

Answer

Answered by Sarah Jones, 14 Sep 2026

Police forces have statutory powers, supported by guidance, to obtain and preserve data, including social media content. These include the online information powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2026 once commenced, powers under the Investigatory Power...