This toolkit provides practical guidance on how to collect, preserve, and document evidence of potential online offences, including posts, stories, comments, and direct messages.
It is intended as a general reference only and may not reflect all current legal or regulatory developments. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this resource does not constitute legal advice, nor does its use guarantee any specific outcome when submitting complaints or evidence to relevant authorities or platforms.
Before You Start
You must collect all evidence and direct links before reporting or blocking the account.
Once you report content, many platforms (including Meta) may restrict or remove your access to the post. This can prevent you from:
Viewing the content again
Copying the direct link
Capturing additional screenshots
Accessing comments or metadata
If you report first, you may permanently lose the ability to obtain the evidence required for escalation, legal action, or platform review.
Step 1: Identify the Type of Post Standard posts (X/Twitter, Instagram grid posts, Facebook posts, etc.)
- Stories (Instagram or Facebook stories – disappearing or time limited content)
- Direct messages (private or group DMs on any platform)
Step 2: Collect Evidence – Standard Posts and Direct Messages*
What to Capture
Take full screenshots of:
The post or message
The image/video thumbnail
The caption
Username and handle
Any visible metadata (likes, comments, etc.)
Ensure the time/date indicator is visible
(Even if it says “3 hours ago” or “Yesterday.”)If the content spans multiple screens:
Capture all screenshots required
Scroll carefully to ensure nothing is missed
Timestamping Requirements
Save timestamped versions of all screenshots.
Ensure your device time is visible OR
Use a timestamp app to embed date/time metadata.
Save files using this format: Platform_Username_ContentType_Date_Time.png
Step 3: Collect Evidence – Stories*
Stories disappear after 24 hours. Immediate capture is critical.
Required Actions
Take screenshots of the story.
Make a screen recording while allowing the story to play in full.
Capture:
Username
Story content
Any overlays (polls, tags, stickers)
Time indicator if visible
Timestamping
Save timestamped versions of:
Screenshots
Screen recordings
Ensure the device clock is visible where possible.
* How to Copy the Direct Link - Required by Meta. Posts and Stories
Meta requires BOTH screenshots and direct links. Screenshots alone are not sufficient.
How to Copy a Link (Posts & Stories)
Locate the content (post or story).
Click the diagonal arrow (paper airplane) icon on the bottom right of the post/story.
Select “Copy Link.”
Paste the link into your evidence log immediately.
Save the link in your case file.
✔️ Always collect the link before reporting.
✔️ Do this for standard posts, reels, and stories.
Step 4: Collect Residual Evidence
- Capture all abusive comments attached to the post.
- Record any reposts or shares that spread the content further.
- Screenshot or record any direct messages (DMs) linked to the harassment
- Note: Do not block the offender immediately, as blocking prevents visibility of further evidence
Evidence Checklist (Meta-Ready)
☑ Direct link copied
☑ Full screenshots captured
☑ Username visible
☑ Time/date visible
☑ Screen recording (for stories)
☑ Files timestamped
☑ Evidence logged in case register
Step 5: Report the Content
- Platform report – Use the reporting mechanism of the platform (Meta, X, etc.).
See direct links below. - AFP (Federal Police) – Report through the “Report a Crime” portal. Click here to access reporting website.
a. Use the “Antisemitism” option if relevant.
b. Other options (terrorism, etc.) may apply – check dropdown menu.
c. Note: AFP may follow up requesting evidence. Provide accurate contact details. - National Cybercrime reporting system (ReportCyber) - Assesses all cybercrime reports and assign the relevant ones to police and other law enforcement agencies for investigation. Report a cybercrime, incident or vulnerability via the ReportCyber portal here.
- Local Police – Report any death threats, threats of violence, or immediate safety risks to your state police. You can find your closest police station by searching here.
- eSafety Commissioner – Submit a report online of the behaviour, including evidence. Access the reporting website here.
Note: The e-Safety Commission only have takedown powers.
Useful for persistent posts, less so for stories (which often expire before action).
Useful links:
Instagram - Report a post or profile.
Instagram - Report a story.
Instagram - Report a direct message or chat.
Facebook - Guides for reporting all content types, including profiles, posts and stories.
Snapchat - Guides for reporting all content types, including profiles and stories.
X/Twitter - Guide for reporting posts, lists and private messages.
X/Twitter - Report abusive behaviour.
Youtube - Report inappropriate content including videos, channels, comments and ads.
Step 6: Record Progress
After reporting, keep a record of which reports were lodged, what responses were received and whether action was taken.
You are welcome to voluntarily contact Digital Defence with information on your progress.
Note: this feedback will be used to support and inform policy reform and evidence gathering, not direct case support.
Please visit our Contact Page to get in touch regarding any filed complaints with platforms or authorities.
Share your digital experience
If you have any questions or want to share your digital experience, fill out the form below: