In a bid to prevent delays in high-stakes investigations, the Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Police to collaborate with major social media platforms to create a comprehensive handbook. This guide will streamline the process for police officers to request and obtain critical information during emergencies like missing persons cases or serious crimes.
The Bench, led by Justices Prathiba M. Singh and Amit Sharma, observed that while platforms such as Meta and Google are willing to cooperate, police officials often lack clarity on how to make effective information requests. This gap, the Court noted, wastes precious time when quick action is vital.
The proposed handbook will outline the precise steps for submitting requests, specify timelines, and list the nodal officers designated by each platform. It may also include provisions for training sessions to enhance the capability of officers in navigating these processes efficiently.
The direction came during the hearing of a petition concerning a missing boy. The police had sought data from Meta, including the boy’s Instagram activity, location, and device details, but faced delays in receiving the information. The Court highlighted the critical need for real-time cooperation in such cases, noting that procedural hurdles can obstruct timely investigations.
Acknowledging existing measures, including social media platforms’ standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the appointment of nodal officers, the Court emphasized that the current maximum 72-hour response window for emergency requests must be treated as a ceiling, not a benchmark. Most platforms, it said, appear capable of acting faster when urgency demands.
Despite these measures, the missing boy remains untraced. To intensify efforts, the investigation has now been transferred to the Anti Human Trafficking Unit (AHTU). The case is set for further hearing on December 11, with the Court urging all stakeholders to prioritize collaboration and efficiency.
This initiative underscores the increasing intersection of technology and law enforcement, as authorities grapple with the challenge of leveraging digital platforms for public safety while balancing procedural rigour.
