1.1This guide provides a process for recognizing and describing both errors and limitations associated with tools, techniques, and methods used to support digital and multimedia evidence forensics. This is accomplished by explaining how the concepts of errors and error rates should be addressed in digital and multimedia evidence forensics. It is important for practitioners and stakeholders to understand that digital and multimedia evidence forensic techniques and tools have known limitations, but those limitations have differences from errors and error rates in other forensic disciplines. This guide proposes that confidence in digital and multimedia evidence forensic results is best achieved by using an error mitigation analysis approach that focuses on recognizing potential sources of error and then applying techniques used to mitigate them, including trained and competent personnel using tested and validated methods and practices. Sources of error not directly related to tool usage are beyond the scope of this guide.

1.2This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.