Can I get a response to the below using scholarly references different from those used in the piece .Please share references.

The courts increasingly rely on digital evidence, and preserving it is crucial in modern investigations because it helps confirm or deny actions during legal procedures. As digital evidence can be highly trustworthy, but only if it is collected lawfully, processed with verified tools, and handled by qualified professionals who ensure the evidence remains intact, protect against data alteration, and maintain the chain of custody, which is vital for court acceptance. However, digital evidence is fragile and faces challenges such as easy modification, metadata loss, jurisdictional issues, and inconsistent handling methods. If not properly managed, these problems can lead to evidence being rejected in court.

Especially important in today's environment, where AI threats like deepfakes can fabricate convincing but false evidence, such risks have prompted the legal system to demand greater transparency, documentation, and authentication at every step of the evidence-handling process. To overcome these challenges, international standards like ISO/IEC 27037 provide clear guidelines on the identification, collection, acquisition, and preservation of digital evidence. The standard outlines proper techniques, assigns roles for investigators and first responders, and emphasizes the use of tools such as write-blockers and hashing to preserve data authenticity. It also supports a reliable chain of custody and assists in ensuring that evidence meets court admissibility standards across different jurisdictions.

In conjunction with this, legal systems such as that of the U.S. apply the Daubert standard to validate scientific and technical evidence, assessing whether the methods are testable, peer-reviewed, and widely accepted to ensure that only credible digital evidence is admitted.

In conclusion, safeguarding digital evidence is vital for maintaining its integrity and ensuring its legal acceptability. Standards like ISO/IEC 27037 are essential in guiding investigators and legal professionals in handling digital evidence correctly, ultimately supporting the pursuit of justice in the digital age.