WEBVTT

00:00:00.155 --> 00:00:03.758
When a record disappears, a legal right does not vanish,

00:00:03.758 --> 00:00:06.640
but proving what happened can become much harder.

00:00:06.640 --> 00:00:08.441
Preserve the original file first.

00:00:08.441 --> 00:00:10.243
Then create a working copy

00:00:10.243 --> 00:00:13.844
and record where it came from, when it was received,

00:00:13.844 --> 00:00:15.286
and who handled it.

00:00:15.286 --> 00:00:16.727
Calculate a SHA-256 hash.

00:00:16.727 --> 00:00:18.888
Keep related emails, notices, screenshots, exports,

00:00:18.888 --> 00:00:21.049
report numbers, and delivery receipts together.

00:00:21.049 --> 00:00:23.571
Use clear filenames, an index, access notes,

00:00:23.571 --> 00:00:25.373
and two protected storage locations.

00:00:25.373 --> 00:00:27.534
Make an accessible copy when needed,

00:00:27.534 --> 00:00:29.695
but do not replace the original.

00:00:29.695 --> 00:00:32.937
A hash can show whether the same bytes changed;

00:00:32.937 --> 00:00:35.099
it cannot prove truth, completeness, authorship,

00:00:35.099 --> 00:00:36.180
or agency validation.

00:00:36.180 --> 00:00:39.783
A complaint number does not prove an investigation or finding.

00:00:39.783 --> 00:00:43.024
A missing record does not automatically prove intentional destruction.

00:00:43.024 --> 00:00:44.465
Preserve first, label carefully,

00:00:44.465 --> 00:00:46.987
and let independent reviewers test the evidence.

00:00:46.987 --> 00:00:49.148
Read the source-linked blueprint at david-medeiros.com.