# Scope and legal

Source: https://otinstaller.com/guides/osintverse-community/social-media-profiles/01-scope-and-legal (page 2 of 5 of osintverse-community/social-media-profiles)

- **Public is not free for all.** Platforms' terms limit automated collection, and data protection law still applies
  to public posts. Collect only the accounts and posts your question needs, and the minimum from each.
- **No sock puppets by default.** Everything here works without logging in. Creating fake accounts to see private
  content breaks most platforms' terms and, in some jurisdictions and professions, the law or your code of conduct.
- **Don't interact.** Don't follow, like, message or view stories in a way that notifies the account owner.
- **People in the background.** Photos and comments include third parties. Leave them out of your report unless they
  are part of the question.

Next: https://otinstaller.com/guides/osintverse-community/social-media-profiles/02-profiles.md