Despite what you might assume, we don’t keep our internet information hidden. The ease with which users may access another person’s private data naturally raises the question of whether or not law enforcement has similar access.
How probable is it that law enforcement may access your digital footprint? Can law enforcement agencies use a person’s online activity as probable cause for an arrest? Such responses are situation-specific.
Discuss your situation with a certified criminal defense lawyer.
Discover how to protect your online privacy when the police can access your search history.
Do We Report Online Searches To The Police?
Searching for information on taboo subjects like sex crimes or drug possession charges might make you uneasy. The best thing you can do is to keep your mouth shut whether you’re already in trouble or you’re just inquisitive.
Your search engine history is not often shared with law enforcement. If you watch or download child pornographic material online, however, they will report you to the authorities.
When May The Police Look At Your Internet History?
You shouldn’t be concerned about an unwarranted computer search by law enforcement. All law enforcement agencies, from the federal to the state to the municipal, are included in this. The police need probable cause that you committed an Internet-related crime before they will issue a warrant to monitor your communications.
This means they need a strong basis to accuse you of a crime before they may probe through your internet behavior. A police officer cannot search your online activity during an arrest unless it is directly related to the crime you are being held for. Unless you’ve committed a cybercrime, the police shouldn’t be spying on your computer.
What Are The Consequences For Sexting A Minor?
People are free to learn more about the subject online without fear of penalties from authorities. Yet if the police had a report that someone was sexting with a kid, they could get a warrant and inspect their phones.
Evidence of sexting a youngster might be found through the user’s browser history, chat logs, photographs, emails, or even the user’s email address book. An officer has the right to check a suspect’s internet account if they suspect them of engaging in criminal activity, such as sending sexts to a minor.
