Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and social media platforms play crucial roles in cybercrime investigations by cooperating with law enforcement agencies, providing vital digital evidence, and helping trace cybercriminals. Here's a detailed explanation of their roles:
1. Role of ISPs in Cybercrime Investigations
a. Data Retention and Sharing:
ISPs store records such as IP addresses, access logs, timestamps, browsing history, and subscriber details.
These records are essential for tracing the origin of cybercrimes like hacking, online fraud, or cyberstalking.
b. Identifying Offenders:
Law enforcement agencies often request ISPs to identify the subscriber associated with a specific IP address or activity.
ISPs help map dynamic IP addresses to users at a particular time.
c. Preserving Evidence:
Under legal requests or court orders, ISPs may be required to preserve specific logs or user data as potential evidence.
d. Real-time Interception:
In serious cases, ISPs may assist law enforcement with real-time interception of data under provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (e.g., Section 69).
2. Role of Social Media Platforms in Cybercrime Investigations
a. Content Monitoring and Reporting:
Platforms have automated and manual systems to detect and flag abusive, criminal, or suspicious content.
They report child exploitation, terrorist content, or threats to safety under international protocols.
b. Providing Account Information:
Platforms can provide user account details, message logs, posts, or deleted content (if retained) when compelled by a valid legal process (like subpoenas or mutual legal assistance treaties—MLATs
c. Identifying Cybercriminals:
Social media platforms maintain metadata, such as login times, IP addresses, and device info, which help track cybercriminals.
d. Assisting in Takedown Requests:

Law enforcement may request removal or blocking of offensive or illegal content (e.g., hate speech, fake news, deepfakes).

Platforms comply based on their content policies and applicable national laws.
3. Legal Framework in India
Information Technology Act, 2000:
Section 69: Power to intercept, monitor, or decrypt information.
Section 67, 67A, 67B: Penalizes publishing or transmitting obscene content.
Section 79: Provides safe harbor to intermediaries if they act on unlawful content once informed.