When capturing evidence from social media, one simple oversight could undermine your entire case, using the default "Most Relevant" comment filter instead of "All Comments."
Platforms like Facebook and Instagram often hide critical replies unless the filter is set correctly. These hidden comments could include threats, coordinated activity, or exculpatory evidence that you or your client will never see unless manually revealed.
Why "Most Relevant" Is Dangerous for Investigators
- You risk missing important comments that may only be visible when "All Comments" is selected.
- The comment filter setting is not captured automatically, meaning you must verify what was visible at the time of capture.
- Opposing counsel may challenge your report by claiming relevant comments were left out. Whether or not it is true, this can cause doubt and weaken your evidence.
Even if the missing content is minor, the perception that your capture was incomplete may be enough to damage your credibility or raise chain of custody concerns.
How to Switch to All Comments
To help prevent these issues, we recommend switching the filter manually before capturing.
Here is a short example showing exactly how to do it:
Conclusion
OSINT investigations require accuracy and foresight. Capturing all visible comments is not just best practice, it is essential for presenting trustworthy evidence.
Set your comment filter to "All Comments" and document your workflow. Your future self, or your legal team, will thank you.
