Metadata is often thought of as data that describes other data. It can help you identify factors such as when a file was created, where a photo was taken or when a document was last modified.
By analysing metadata, legal professionals can follow a digital trail of a file. This can help in litigation to verify or disprove claims made in a case. Below, we’ll explore what metadata analysis is and emphasise the importance of understanding metadata in litigation.
- What is metadata analysis?
- Why is metadata analysis important?
- Using metadata to your advantage
- What tools are available?
- Understanding the evolution of data in law
What is metadata analysis?
Metadata allows you to understand the history of a file or document. This information can include when a file was created and when it was last accessed or modified.
The file can be in many digital formats, such as a photograph, video or spreadsheet.
Put simply, metadata analysis is the uncovering of a file’s digital trail. By analysing a document’s metadata, you can search for evidence to help build a legal argument.
There are three main types of metadata to be aware of, which are:
- Structural metadata — Relationship between data and how they’re put together
- Descriptive metadata — Description of the contents of a file, such as an author or keywords
- Administrative metadata — Details of rights management or ownership of the document
Now that you understand metadata analysis, let’s explore its importance in litigation.
