Obviously I already removed all media, banned all the users and prevented account creation. I have ip addresses and metadata of the users
Obviously I already removed all media, banned all the users and prevented account creation. I have ip addresses and metadata of the users
HelloRoot is correct. You should not have deleted anything. You should have simply shutdown the server and contacted the FBI (not the police). Child porn is a serious federal offense and because they committed the offense across state lines (or aren’t in the US at all), FBI wold have jurisdiction. Because you deleted the evidence (a crime, by the way) there’s nothing for them to go on now.
If this ever happens again, shut down the server so no one can connect, and contact the FBI Criminal Division who has their own child crimes division that specifically deals with child pornography.
I’m in France though, keeping it would make me a criminal
TBH, this sounds like something to ask a lawyer. Since you’re in France, there may or may not be statutes that protect witnesses or people trying to cooperate with law enforcement, and a lawyer who’s familiar with your laws would be able to give you correct advice.
And in the event they give you bad advice, there may also be protections regarding “following the advice of counsel.” In the US, following in good faith some bad advice from lawyers can result in protections or immunity from certain charges.
So do yourself a favor and get some proper legal advice.
I second this opinion. The parties responsible absolutely need to be held accountable but due to the severe nature of the crime you absolutely have to protect yourself.
Then definitely don’t follow my advice. lol I have no idea what french law is.