Under the Stored Communications Act, how long must providers comply with preservation requests?

The correct answer reflects the requirements outlined in the Stored Communications Act (SCA), which mandates that providers of electronic communication services must comply with preservation requests for a period of 90 days. This allows law enforcement and other authorized entities sufficient time to obtain the necessary legal process to access the preserved data.

This 90-day period is specifically designed to balance the needs of law enforcement with the privacy concerns of individuals. It ensures that the data can be preserved while allowing for legal and procedural steps to be taken to justify access to the data. If further preservation is needed beyond this initial 90 days, the entity seeking the data must request an extension, which may be granted under certain conditions.

Understanding this timeframe is crucial for professionals in law enforcement and legal fields, as it impacts how investigations are conducted and the timelines involved in data collection from service providers. It is important for those in these positions to be aware of these legal requirements to ensure compliance and protect the rights of individuals under investigation.