What is a preservation request?

A preservation request is a formal request aimed at ensuring that specific data or content from the past is retained and not deleted or altered. This is particularly significant in legal contexts or investigations where certain information may be critical evidence, and its loss could adversely affect due process or the integrity of a case. When a preservation request is made, usually to an organization or service provider, it highlights the need to maintain data that might otherwise be subject to regular deletion protocols, ensuring that all relevant material remains intact for future reference or examination.

Preservation requests are essential in various fields, including law enforcement, corporate governance, and compliance, where stakeholders must safeguard digital evidence or records that could be central to investigations, audits, or legal proceedings. These requests are often vital during situations such as lawsuits, audits, or criminal cases where historical data holds substantial relevance.