Law Enforcement FAQ

What is The chat?

The chat is a chat platform that provides video, text, and audio communication services. For more details, visit our "About Us" page.

How are reported incidents discovered?

The chat uses a combination of user reports and AI systems to detect and ban users who violate our guidelines or the law.

Are files shared on The chat?

No. The chat is a peer-to-peer live video chat site. Users can share photos in "text chat," but they cannot upload, send, or share files.

What does the date and time stamp on the NCMEC report represent?

The timestamp in the NCMEC report is when the user was banned, usually within seconds after the user was flagged by our automated systems.

What does the reported IP address refer to?

The IP address provided in the NCMEC report is the IP address used by the reported user at the time of the incident.

Can law enforcement obtain additional user information?

Yes, law enforcement can request additional user data through our "Law Enforcement Request Form." If the reported user does not have an account, all available data is submitted with the NCMEC report. If they do have an account, you can request account data through the form.

Where should legal requests (such as search warrants) be sent?

While a subpoena or search warrant is not necessary for obtaining user data related to Cybertip submissions (which can be requested via our Law Enforcement Request Form), legal documents may still be sent to [email protected]. Be sure to include relevant identifying information like the NCMEC report number and user IP address.

Can the entire conversation from both users be accessed?

Yes, but only if the request is made within 30 days of the incident, as chat logs are stored for that period.

How can I request data on a reported incident?

You can use our "Law Enforcement Request Form" to request data about reported users. A search warrant is not necessary for this process.

What information is provided in response to law enforcement requests?

We provide all available data associated with a specific user at the time of the reported incident. This includes IP address, chat logs (within 30 days), and any account information if applicable.

Do you notify users when law enforcement data is requested?

No, users are not notified when law enforcement requests their information or when data is submitted in a NCMEC report.

Can we get support by phone?

Currently, we do not provide phone support. Please use our Law Enforcement Contact Form for inquiries, and we will respond promptly.

Are you able to advise on the timeline for when a ban occurred?

Bans typically occur within seconds of the reported incident, and this will be reflected in the NCMEC report.

Are warrants required to obtain user data?

No warrant is necessary for Cybertip-related data requests. All necessary data can be obtained through our Law Enforcement Request Form.

What if further evidence is required beyond the NCMEC report?

If more detailed information is needed, law enforcement can request it through the Law Enforcement Request Form. We are fully cooperative with legitimate law enforcement requests.

Do you accept law enforcement requests from the UK or other international jurisdictions?

Yes, we accept requests from UK law enforcement via IPA (International Production of Evidence). You can submit the request through our Law Enforcement Request Form, providing the necessary data like IP addresses or timestamps.

What if the IP address in the NCMEC report is unresolvable?

If the provided IP address is unresolvable, we do not have further identifying IP data. If the user is anonymous, we recommend using other investigative resources as we don’t have any additional information.