At Relativity Fest 2024, the collaboration between Cellebrite and Relativity took center stage, showcasing the shared commitment of revolutionizing mobile data collection and analysis. This partnership aims to address the unique challenges of remote mobile collection and managing mobile evidence, especially as mobile devices are increasingly central to eDiscovery needs. With 85% of cases requiring mobile collection, it is critical to have efficient processes in place. 

Cellebrite’s Enterprise Solutions team, all smiles at Relativity Fest Chicago. 

The Mobile Advisory Board: A Collaborative Effort 

Members of the Mobile Advisory Board play a crucial role in shaping the future of mobile data management in eDiscovery. Comprised of industry experts and stakeholders, this board focuses on identifying best practices and addressing common challenges associated with mobile data collection.  

Key topics discussed include:

  • Exclusionary Filters: Participants emphasized the importance of exclusionary filters in searches, especially as it relates to contact filtering. This approach allows for more targeted investigations; minimizing irrelevant data and removing obstacles around privacy concerns. 
  • App Categorization: There is a growing interest in categorizing applications based on type and usage metrics, examples being when an app was last accessed or downloaded. This feature could provide valuable context during investigations. 
  • Custodian Rights: The board highlighted the complexities surrounding custodian rights, particularly under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, which allows custodians to refuse handing over their devices. This necessitates a careful and respectful approach to data collection. 

Insights from the Cellebrite-Relativity Session 

A powerful, packed house at the Relativity-Cellebrite session featuring Ashley Hernandez, VP of Product Management at Cellebrite Enterprise Solutions and other expert panelists 

During the session, it was highlighted that mobile data collection presents a unique set of challenges, particularly when dealing with custodians’ personal devices. While the necessity of mobile data collection is evident, teams must take into account specific considerations during the process to ensure success. 

Key considerations include: 

  • Remote Collection Benefits: There is often resistance when asking custodians to relinquish personal devices. The ability for remote collection increases the overall success rate for mobile collections while decreasing the time and resources of costly on-site collections. 
  • Best Practices: The lack of industry standards for handling mobile data raises questions about following best practices. Legal teams are eager to ensure they collect maximum data defensibly while respecting custodian privacy. 
  • Ease of Use: The integration of Cellebrite’s technology with Relativity aims to simplify mobile evidence collection. The automated workflow allows examiners to create and submit collection requests easily, transforming a traditionally cumbersome process into a seamless experience. 

A vibrant panel discussion featuring Cellebrite Enterprise Solutions’ Ashley Hernandez, VP of Product Management and Drew Fahey, VP of Engineering in full swing at the Relativity Fest Chicago, where thought leaders from across the industry come together to exchange insights and innovations. 

Looking Ahead 

As the partnership between Cellebrite and Relativity evolves, users can expect ongoing enhancements to their eDiscovery workflows. 

Key features anticipated include: 

  • Automated Workflows: The new system is designed for ease of use, allowing anyone to configure a collection in under ten minutes without extensive training. 
  • Real-Time Notifications: Custodians will receive notifications if there are issues during the collection process, ensuring transparency and allowing them to address problems promptly. 
  • Continuous Improvement: Both companies are committed to refining their offerings based on user experience and feedback from the Mobile Advisory Board, focusing on making mobile evidence handling as straightforward as other data types. 

Busy times at our booth! Visitors exploring Cellebrite Enterprise Solutions’ latest innovations. 

Driving Change in eDiscovery 

This partnership promises to change how organizations perceive mobile data collection. By making it easier, more efficient, and as straightforward as other data types in eDiscovery, Relativity and Cellebrite are setting new standards for mobile data collection and management. 

With ongoing advancements like real-time notifications, automated workflows and better filtering options, users can look forward to enhanced capabilities that improve their investigative processes. The release of these innovations is set for general availability in Q4 2024, with an initial focus on the U.S. market and plans to expand globally. 

Share this post