What types of legal requests does Twitter receive?

Legal requests may come from law enforcement, government agencies, lawyers representing a criminal defendant, civil litigants, or from other authorised reporters such as official anti-discrimination organisations in Europe.

• Information requests – Law enforcement requests for account information are usually issued in connection with criminal investigations. Civil requests for account information are typically made by lawyers in connection with non-criminal/civil legal actions such as a divorce proceeding or a business dispute.
• Removal requests – Twitter sometimes receives legal requests alleging that content posted to Twitter may be illegal in one or more countries around the world. For example, content may be alleged to violate laws related to defamation, illegal activities, or national security. Requests may also be reporting content that is potentially in violation of Twitter’s Terms of Service or Rules.

Questions about information requests:

What types of account information may be produced in response to a valid legal request?

Obtaining non-public information, such as an email address used to sign-up for an account or IP login information, requires valid legal process like a subpoena, court order, or other local legal process, depending on the country that issues the request.

Requests for the contents of communications (e.g., Tweets, Direct Messages, photos) require a valid search warrant or equivalent. This is a higher burden of proof for law enforcement or government agents to demonstrate before a judge will agree to such a request.

For additional information on the types of legal process required to obtain specific types of account information please see the “Types of Legal Process” section in our transparency report and Twitter’s Guidelines for Law Enforcement.

Requests for Twitter account information

Private information requires a subpoena or court order

Non-public information about Twitter users will not be released to law enforcement except in response to appropriate legal process such as a subpoena, court order, or other valid legal process – or in response to a valid emergency request, as described below.

What details must be included in account information requests?

Requests for user account information in accordance with applicable law, are required to include the following information:

• Include the Twitter @username and URL of the subject Twitter account in question (e.g., https://twitter.com/twittersafety (@twittersafety) or an account's unique, public user identification number or UID. For instructions on locating a Twitter UID see here;
• And/or include the valid Periscope username and URL (e.g., @twittersafety and https://periscope.tv/twittersafety). Find instructions on locating a Periscope username here;
• Provide details about what specific information is requested (e.g., basic subscriber information) and its relationship to your investigation;
  • NOTE: Please ensure that the information you seek is not publicly available (e.g., Tweets that are not protected). We are unable to process overly broad or vague requests.
• Include a valid official email address (e.g., [email protected]) so we may get back in touch with you upon receipt of your legal process;
• Be issued on law enforcement letterhead.