Logical copy meaning

In legal practice, a logical copy is a forensic acquisition of data from a mobile or other digital device at the logical (file system/API) level. It captures only user‑accessible content—such as active contacts, calendars, call logs, SMS/MMS, emails, photos, documents and accessible app data—together with relevant metadata, without imaging unallocated space or deleted artefacts. It is faster and less intrusive than a physical image and supports proportionate, targeted collection for disclosure, investigations and regulatory responses. Because it excludes deleted or system data, its evidential scope is narrower and may limit recovery of deleted items. The term is not defined in legislation or case law; it is a descriptive expression used in digital forensics, mobile phone forensics and e‑disclosure/eDiscovery across England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland, where usage is broadly consistent. Authorisation (consent, warrant, production order or court direction) and handling must align with local search and seizure powers and data protection obligations (UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018; GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 (Ireland)), with a documented chain of custody. Tools typically perform a backup or API extraction; any limitations (encryption, app sandboxing, device lock) should be recorded in expert reports.