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.