PlanFolks Law Enforcement Guidelines
**Effective Date:** January 1, 2026
**Last Updated:** August 30, 2026
Table of Contents
1. Purpose
This document describes how law enforcement agencies and government authorities may request information from PlanFolks in connection with official investigations, and the legal standards we apply to such requests. This is a legal reference document for authorities and legal professionals, not a general User-facing policy.
2. Definitions
3. Information Requests
PlanFolks requires **valid Legal Process** issued by a court or authority of competent jurisdiction before disclosing User data, except as described in [Section 5](#5-emergency-disclosure-requests) (emergency disclosures) or where disclosure is otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
All requests must:
We review each request for legal sufficiency and reserve the right to challenge requests we believe are overbroad, improperly issued, or inconsistent with applicable law.
4. Types of Information Available
| Data Category | Typical Legal Process Required |
|---|---|
| Basic subscriber information (name, email, registration date) | Subpoena or equivalent |
| IP address logs / login history | Court order or subpoena, depending on jurisdiction |
| Private message content | Search warrant (or jurisdictional equivalent for content) |
| Uploaded images / stored content | Search warrant (or jurisdictional equivalent for content) |
| Real-time location data | Not currently collected (see [Privacy Policy](./privacy-policy.md)) |
Requirements vary by jurisdiction; we apply the legal standard applicable to the requesting authority's jurisdiction and the nature of the data sought.
5. Emergency Disclosure Requests
Where we have a good-faith belief that there is an imminent risk of death or serious physical harm to a person, we may voluntarily disclose relevant account information to law enforcement without Legal Process, consistent with applicable law (e.g., 18 U.S.C. § 2702(b)(8) in the U.S., or equivalent provisions elsewhere).
To submit an emergency disclosure request:
We evaluate emergency requests independently and reserve sole discretion to determine whether the circumstances justify disclosure without Legal Process.
6. Data Preservation Requests
Law enforcement may request that we preserve existing account data pending the issuance of formal Legal Process. Upon a valid preservation request:
7. Jurisdiction and International Requests
8. User Notification
Consistent with our [Privacy Policy](./privacy-policy.md), we will notify affected Users of a request for their data prior to disclosure, unless:
9. Cost Reimbursement
PlanFolks may seek reimbursement of reasonable costs associated with responding to Legal Process, where permitted by applicable law.
10. Contact Information
*This document is provided for informational purposes to law enforcement and legal professionals and does not constitute legal advice. See also our [Child Safety Standards](./child-safety-standards.md) and [Privacy Policy](./privacy-policy.md).*