How do most social media sites handle preservation requests?

The correct answer is that most social media sites accommodate requests using the suspect's username or email. This method allows law enforcement and other authorities to preserve relevant data that may be crucial for investigations. When such requests are made, social media platforms typically have protocols in place to ensure that data associated with a specific username or email address is maintained for a specified period of time. This is vital in criminal investigations where digital evidence can be pivotal.

Preserving data connected to a user's account helps ensure that information related to potentially criminal activity remains accessible for legal processes, while also respecting privacy laws and user agreements. Social media companies generally have established guidelines for how they handle these requests to ensure compliance with legal standards while aiding law enforcement.

In contrast, automatically deleting old posts does not align with the legal obligations to retain evidence during an investigation. Forwarding requests to law enforcement could occur, but the direct response by accommodating the request with specific account identifiers is generally the more accurate depiction of standard practices. Refusing all preservation requests would undermine law enforcement efforts and is not common practice, as many platforms cooperate to some degree to facilitate investigations.