Question to the Home Office:

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 plans to review that guidance.

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 Powers Act 2026, and other mechanisms such as bilaterial agreements and mutual legal assistance.