The SCA is a federal law that governs the disclosure of electronic communications stored by third-party service providers, such as Facebook. Under the SCA, law enforcement agencies can obtain a subpoena to compel Facebook to produce user data. This includes messages, photos, and other information stored on the platform.The SCA also provides some protections for users. For example, it requires law enforcement agencies to provide notice to users before their data is disclosed. This allows users to challenge the subpoena in court if they believe it is not justified.In addition, the SCA requires law enforcement agencies to meet certain standards when requesting user data. For example, they must demonstrate that the data is relevant to an ongoing investigation and that it cannot be obtained through other means. This helps ensure that user data is not disclosed without a legitimate purpose.Finally, the SCA also provides some protections for Facebook itself. It prohibits law enforcement agencies from using Facebook’s services to obtain user data without a valid subpoena. This helps ensure that Facebook is not used as a tool for fishing expeditions or other improper purposes.Overall, Facebook subpoenas and the SCA provide important protections for both users and service providers. They help ensure that user data is not disclosed without a legitimate purpose and that law enforcement agencies are held to a high standard when requesting user data.What are the Legal Requirements for Obtaining a Facebook Subpoena?The SCA defines the legal threshold necessary to obtain a Facebook subpoena. A party must show that the records are sought in connection with an ongoing criminal investigation, civil action, or other legal process, and the information must be relevant to the investigation or proceedings. Additionally, the request must be specific and include detailed information such as the individual’s name, date of birth, and account information.The SCA also requires that an individual must be given notice that their records are being requested. In the case of a Facebook subpoena, this notice is typically sent via email to the account holder. The notice must include a description of the request, an explanation of the individual’s rights, and a statement that the individual has the right to object to the subpoena and request a court hearing.In addition to the legal requirements of the SCA, Facebook has additional requirements that must be met in order to obtain a subpoena. Facebook will generally require a valid court order or search warrant before it will release any information. A party must also demonstrate that it has exhausted all other avenues of obtaining the information it seeks, such as requesting a voluntary release from the individual or obtaining a valid court order authorizing the release of records.Facebook also has policies related to how subpoenas are issued. It requires that a party submit a subpoena request in writing and include a valid court order or search warrant authorizing the release of records. It also requires that a party provide detailed information about the individual’s account, including their name and account number.Facebook has established procedures for responding to subpoenas. If a party submits a valid subpoena request, Facebook will review the request and determine whether it meets the legal requirements for issuing a subpoena. If so, Facebook will issue the subpoena and provide its response to the party. If not, it will notify the party that their request is insufficient and explain why. It is important for parties seeking information from Facebook to carefully follow all of these procedures in order to ensure their request is valid and will be granted by the social media giant.What are the Legal Consequences of Violating the Stored Communications Act?The SCA was initially written in 1986 and has since been amended several times. It is sometimes referred to as the "Electronic Communications Privacy Act" (ECPA). It regulates the disclosure of stored electronic communications and governs the privacy of stored communications from service providers such as Facebook.Under the Stored Communications Act, companies must provide notice to their users when they receive a request from law enforcement agencies for access to stored electronic communications. This gives individuals the opportunity to challenge the request if they disagree with it. The SCA also imposes limits on the types of orders and requests that can be issued. Violations of the Stored Communications Act can have serious legal consequences for both companies and individuals. Companies that fail to comply with the statute can be liable for damages caused by the violation. Individuals who are found to have violated the SCA can face criminal charges, including fines and imprisonment.The consequences of violating the Stored Communications Act can be especially severe when it comes to Facebook subpoenas. Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms, and over one billion people use it every day. As a result, law enforcement agencies often issue subpoenas to Facebook in order to access stored communications. If a company fails to comply with a Facebook subpoena, they may face fines, civil lawsuits, and even criminal prosecution.It is important for companies and individuals to understand the legal consequences of violating the Stored Communications Act and take steps to ensure they comply with its requirements. Companies should be aware of their obligations under the SCA and take steps to protect their users’ data from unauthorized access. Individuals should also be aware of their rights under the SCA and take steps to protect their communications from government intrusion. Contact an attorney at the Law Office of Adam M. Sault to discuss your legal options today. 815-529-2178. info@asaultlaw.com.