SIRIUS EU Electronic Evidence Situation Report 2023

The need for electronic data in criminal investigations is an unmistakable reality in the EU and beyond. Investigating and prosecuting crime in the digital age is no simple task, and while electronic evidence is crucial in criminal investigations, the legal instruments to request the disclosure of data at international level are deemed lengthy and cumbersome.

As a result, voluntary cooperation between law enforcement and service providers has become the preferred solution to obtain non-content data. The volume of requests under voluntary cooperation has increased over the years, but this approach still lacks legal clarity for the involved parties. The 2023 edition of the report emphasises the need for comprehensive preparation among all stakeholders and highlights the new frontier for electronic evidence, providing a new strategic roadmap to navigate this frontier.