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WDH-095 Websites, Domains & Internet Infrastructure

Websites, Domains & Internet InfrastructureWDH-095

Who holds the records for content published on a platform?

For user-generated platform content, the platform usually holds the key account and publishing records. The underlying cloud or host may know only the platform company.

Evidence to consider

  • exact URL, account and content identifier;
  • account creation and verification;
  • administrator roles;
  • publishing and editing history;
  • login and access activity;
  • messages, payments and payouts;
  • moderation, removal and security records.

Keep the conclusion precise

Accounts, IP addresses, devices and provider records may identify a technical or contractual relationship without identifying the individual responsible. Test shared access, delegated administration, automation, compromise and changes over time.

Key takeaway

Trace the platform account first, then use devices and other providers to identify the person behind it.

Keep moving

Where this question leads

These links explain why the next page may matter, rather than presenting an undifferentiated list.