Need information from Facebook to build a case for a client? Find out how serving an out-of-state subpoena on Facebook works and how Serve Index LLC can help.
Gather the Evidence You Need from Facebook
Serving a subpoena on Facebook can be a crucial step in a legal proceeding when you need to obtain information stored on the platform. This process is often used in cases involving personal injury, divorce, or any situation where a user’s Facebook activity is relevant to the case.
While this process can be relatively straightforward, it is essential to properly file all the necessary documentation to serve your subpoena successfully. At Serve Index LLC, we’ve helped hundreds of clients serve Facebook and get the information they need to support their cases.
In this guide, we will walk you through the process. Please keep reading to learn more, or contact us at 888-994-6339 or [email protected] for a no-obligation quote.
How to Serve an Out-of-State Subpoena on Facebook, a.k.a Meta
Serving an out-of-state subpoena can be daunting and complicated, especially for companies with no physical presence within the state. This is even more true when serving subpoenas on technology companies like Facebook, which operate online.
The Challenge of Acquiring Records From Facebook
In many cases, attorneys often require access to records from Facebook to build a legal case or to support their client’s claims. Facebook stores its records on servers in various locations within the United States, making it difficult for attorneys to obtain these records. To resolve this problem, attorneys must serve an out-of-state subpoena on Facebook.
It is important for attorneys requesting records from Facebook via out-of-state subpoenas to understand all legal requirements to ensure their subpoenas are properly served for maximum success.
Requirements for Serving Foreign Subpoenas on Facebook a/k/a Meta
For the subpoena to be considered valid by Facebook, it must include specific information in its guidelines. It must contain the following:
- The name of the issuing authority and agent.
- An email address originating from a law enforcement domain.
- A direct contact phone number.
Furthermore, it is necessary to provide the username of the Facebook account on the relevant date. Please include specific details regarding the requested information and its relation to your investigation. It is crucial to note that usernames are not static, and requests that lack the relevant date in combination with the username cannot be processed.
Requests for User Information
Facebook only discloses account records following its terms of service and applicable laws, including the federal Stored Communications Act (“SCA”) outlined in 18 U.S.C. Sections 2701-2712. Under the SCA, the following conditions must be met for disclosure:
- For the disclosure of basic subscriber records (such as name, length of service, credit card information, email address(es), and recent login/logout IP address(es), if available), a valid subpoena is required, issued as part of an official criminal investigation.
- To compel the disclosure of certain records or other non-communication-related information on the account (including message headers and IP addresses), a court order issued under 18 U.S.C. Section 2703(d) is necessary. However, this requirement does not cover the contents of communications.
- To compel the disclosure of the stored contents of any account (such as messages, photos, comments, and location information), a search warrant must be issued under the procedures outlined in the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure or equivalent state warrant procedures. This requires a showing of probable cause.
While some information stored by Facebook is collected automatically, other data is user-provided. Facebook does not enforce email or phone verification; real names or identities are not mandatory.
Read their Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for more details on Facebook’s policies.
Where to Submit Requests
Online
Attorneys and law enforcement may use the Law Enforcement Online Request System to submit, track, and process their requests. A government-issued email address is necessary to access the system.
Civil Requests Within the U.S.
Meta Platforms, Inc.,
1601 Willow Road,
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Civil Requests Outside the U.S.
Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd is the service provider and data controller for users of Facebook services in Europe (excluding the United Kingdom). Address your requests to:
Meta Platforms Ireland Ltd.,
Merrion Road, Dublin 4, D04 X2K5, Ireland
For Facebook users outside the European region, address your requests to Meta Platforms, Inc.
Meta Platforms, Inc.
1601 Willow Road,
Menlo Park, CA 94025
Entrust the Domestication of Your Out-of-State Subpoena on Facebook to Serve Index LLC
Serve an out-of-state subpoena on Facebook with the help of Serve Index LLC. We are a process-serving company specializing in helping attorneys serve out-of-state subpoenas. Our experienced team understands the complexities of subpoena service and can help guide you through the process to ensure your legal documents are properly served.
Contact us today to learn more about how our services can help you get the records you need.
When You Might Want to Consider Serving Facebook With a Subpoena
Facebook has one of the largest active user bases of all social media platforms and can provide you with critical evidence in a wide range of civil and even criminal cases. You may want to file a subpoena in the event of:
- A divorce or family law case
- A defamation or libel case
- A case in which someone was harmed due to a social media post
- Any civil lawsuit that may have involved the use of Meta platforms
Serve Index LLC can help you determine if serving Facebook with a subpoena is the right choice.
Considerations for Serving Meta With a Subpoena
While you may be able to obtain valuable information from Meta, your request may be denied for several reasons. Here are some things to consider before filing a subpoena:
- Relevance: You should ensure that the information you seek is directly relevant to the case, as overly broad requests may be denied
- Privacy Concerns: Be mindful of privacy laws and individual rights. Courts usually balance the need for information with privacy rights
- Jurisdiction: If you do not have a physical presence in California, this will be considered an out-of-state subpoena.
At Serve Index LLC, we can help you serve a subpoena to Meta or any other out-of-state party.
Can Deleted Facebook Messages Be Recovered With a Subpoena?
Facebook has extensive data backup, and it may be able to recover deleted messages. However, this will depend on several factors, such as how long ago the messages were deleted and any privacy concerns. If you want to use these messages while building your case, it is a good idea to file a subpoena as soon as possible.
How It Works
Step 1: Reach Out
Call us today to tell us about your case, your subpoena, and how we can help.
Step 2: Submit Your Subpoena
Once your subpoena is drafted, we will submit it, ensuring it is done correctly and in accordance with Meta policies and local regulations.
Step 3: Follow Up
After we’ve successfully submitted your subpoena, Meta will follow up with you and let you know what they are able to do regarding your request.
Let Us Help You Serve Facebook With a Subpoena
Serving an out-of-state subpoena on Facebook can be challenging, but Serve Index LLC can help. If you need guidance, please call 888-994-6339 or [email protected] for a no-obligation quote.
