Messaging applications are no longer just a means of daily communication, but have become part of the details of working life. Through them, agreements are made, appointments are set, offers are sent, instructions are approved, and some people even acknowledge rights and obligations that may have significant legal implications
With this shift, a frequently asked question arises: Can WhatsApp conversations be used as evidence in court
The short answer is yes, but not absolutely
The Saudi judiciary does not view WhatsApp conversations as mere electronic messages, but rather deals with them as digital evidence subject to evaluation according to the system of proof, the extent to which their attribution to their owner is proven, their integrity from modification or tampering, and their consistency with the rest of the evidence and facts
Therefore, the mere existence of a screenshot of the conversation does not necessarily mean that it is sufficient to prove the right, and the denial of the other party of the messages does not automatically lead to the dismissal of their validity, as the court retains the authority to assess their value, and may, when necessary, resort to technical expertise or other evidence to verify their authenticity
In practice, many disputes have been settled based on electronic messages that included an acknowledgment of debt, acceptance of an offer, recognition of fulfilling an obligation, or confirmation of a previous agreement, which confirms that the written word over the phone may have legal consequences no less important than those contained in paper documents
Hence, dealing with messaging applications should not be spontaneous, as every message may one day be read in court, every phrase may be interpreted in light of the existing dispute, and every admission may turn into evidence used against its owner
Technology has changed the means of communication, but it has not changed legal principles. Rights remain rights, and evidence remains evidence, no matter how different the means by which it is carried
