Data from iNaturalist, a crowdsourced biodiversity tracking app, is poised to play a significant role in an upcoming murder trial, raising questions about the broader uses of observational data from everyday users. The app, which allows people to document and identify plants, animals, and fungi using photos, timestamps, and geolocation data, has traditionally been used by scientists, hobbyists, and conservationists to monitor ecosystems and track species distribution.
In this criminal case, prosecutors reportedly plan to use iNaturalist data to establish a timeline or location relevant to the crime, suggesting that user-submitted posts could serve as digital evidence. While the details of how the app might be used in court are still emerging, experts note that the precise metadata generated by users’ observations — such as when and where a photo was taken — can be compelling.
Beyond legal applications, iNaturalist data has been increasingly utilized in scientific research, aiding in the discovery of new species, tracking invasive species migration, understanding climate change impacts on biodiversity, and informing conservation policy. Its use in the courtroom, however, points to a new frontier for crowdsourced digital records.
As digital footprints become an integral part of modern investigations, legal experts emphasize the importance of verifying such evidence for accuracy and authenticity. At the same time, this case underscores the potential of citizen science platforms like iNaturalist to contribute not only to environmental knowledge, but also to justice and public accountability.
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