When a military investigation looms, one of the last things many service members think about is their social media presence. Yet, today, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and others are open windows into our personal lives.
During a military investigation, these online profiles can quickly shift from a place of connection to a source of scrutiny, and even a minor misstep on social media can have significant consequences for your case.
One of the most crucial steps to take if you’re under investigation is to lock down your social media accounts.
This doesn’t mean deleting profiles or erasing content. In fact, doing so can look suspicious and may lead investigators to believe you’re trying to hide evidence. Instead, make your profiles private, review your friend lists, and remove anyone you don’t trust completely. This includes your accuser, their friends, and any individuals connected to the situation. The fewer connections you have that link back to your case, the better.
Why is social media privacy so important?
Because each post, like, comment, or tagged photo has the potential to be misinterpreted. What might seem like an innocent post about your daily life could, in the eyes of prosecutors or investigators, look like a commentary on your case. And once a post is online, it’s public record. Even with privacy settings, nothing is truly private in a legal investigation.
Another common pitfall is the urge to use social media as a place to vent frustrations about the case or to share your side of the story. While it might feel good in the moment, this is one of the most damaging actions you can take.
I’ve seen cases where a single social media post or video became a critical piece of evidence for the prosecution. Trying to prove your innocence online can backfire and may even lead to obstruction charges. Remember, your audience isn’t just friends and family—it could be investigators, prosecutors, and even the accuser.
Social media is also not the place for indirect messages or subtle jabs.
Some may think posting song lyrics or cryptic quotes is harmless, but in a legal context, anything you post can be taken out of context and turned into evidence. In my experience, it’s best to avoid posting entirely. If you’re under investigation, a digital silence is the safest approach.
For those who aren’t sure how to secure their accounts fully, consult your attorney. Many attorneys, including myself, have helped clients review privacy settings and even walked them through what content should be archived or made private. This isn’t just about keeping information safe; it’s about minimizing the risk that a well-meaning but misinterpreted post could harm your defense.
Locking down social media is one of the most proactive steps you can take to protect yourself in a military investigation.
If you’re unsure of what’s secure, reach out to someone who understands both social media and the military justice system. Protect your privacy now so that your defense can stay focused on the facts, not on interpretations of social media posts. In a high-stakes situation, sometimes the best action you can take is none at all.
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