Distinguish the sources of time information
An on-screen timestamp may be generated by the device, the file date may depend on saving or copying, and a messaging app timestamp may describe transmission of a message. They cannot automatically be regarded as three independent confirmations of the same recording time. A possible time-zone difference must also be checked against the known settings.
Preserve the source recording and export information
Available files obtained directly from the system, a description of the device and the export sequence are useful. A joined video or a screen recording of the interface may not retain all the original time information. Specify known instances of resaving, trimming and transfer between storage media.
Check the time reference using the data as a whole
System logs and documented events captured in the recording may be used for comparison. Each such link must have a clear basis. A match in the apparent scene does not permit an exact date to be assigned arbitrarily where independent confirmation is absent.
What to prepare
- Source files and the available export structure.
- The recording system model and known time settings.
- An explanation of copying, forwarding and processing.
- Device logs and materials concerning events that can be compared.
- A specific question about the recording's temporal relationship.
What to bear in mind
A discrepancy in dates does not in itself prove editing. At the same time, a matching date in the file name does not confirm that the content is unchanged or establish the time of the event without additional grounds.
Outcome of preliminary preparation
The examination makes it possible to describe the available time information and its degree of consistency, preserving the distinction between a recorded indicator and the presumed time of the event.
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