The Diplomatic and Digital Forensic Science in Born-Digital Records: The Quest for Authenticity

Abstract

This paper aims at the application of Digital Diplomatic and Digital Forensics Science in digital-born records, in order to guarantee its authenticity in institutional routines and processes, but also as a source of proof in possible legal and juridical scenarios. In view of the vast and fruitful discussions focused on the complexity of the digital records in Archival Science and Information Science (I.S.), there is a gap to manage and preserve the digital records, keeping them reliable, accurate and authentic in systems that have the same conditions. This gap makes it impossible to preserve records in the long term due, firstly, to the fragility of the systems where they are stored and, secondly, to the constant risks of obsolescence of hardware and software that occur on a day by day. Digital Diplomatic Science assists this process by determining the form and content of the record to evidence its legal-diplomatic authenticity and establish its historical value. Digital Forensic Science, in turn, provides support for the chain of custody to remain intact, regardless of the medium on which the digital record is fixed. The following questions is raised: Is it possible to apply the practice of law and the Digital Forensics in the area of the Archival Science and information science, guaranteeing the authenticity of the born-digital record. In addition, in which way does the junction between Digital Diplomatic Science and Digital Forensic Science guarantee the preservation and preservation of the born-digital records. To answer such questions, this research proposes to link five areas of knowledge following the scientific experiences conducted at the University of British Columbia in Canada by the InterPares (International Research on Permanent Authentic Records) group. Areas of knowledge that are offering interesting results for the preservation not only of the record, but also of the social memory: 1.Digital Forensics: discipline that joint Forensics Science with Computer Science to analyze the digital evidence. 2. Diplomatics Science: Science to analyze the form and structure to the records. 3. Archival Science: Science to involves the whole of the principles, policies, strategies, and activities designed to ensure the physical and technological stabilization of records for the purpose of extending indefinitely their life and protecting the accuracy and authenticity of and maintaining the accessibility to their intellectually content [1] . 4. Information Science: Science to analyze the information in different contexts. The research will carried out in a theoretical and qualitative way, taking into account the literature shared in the site Digital Records Forensics Project, coordinated by the author Luciana Duranti of the InterPares group, and the bibliography produced in the country of the areas of knowledge already referenced. The results obtained will contribute to the realization of alternative researches in document conservation within the Archival Science and the Information Science.