Madrid, January 20, 2025 - Magistrate Ángel Hurtado of Spain's Supreme Court has taken steps to seek technological assistance in an ongoing legal case involving the country's Attorney General, Álvaro García Ortiz.

The magistrate has issued formal requests to WhatsApp LLC and Google for assistance in retrieving data as part of an investigation into alleged disclosure of secrets.

The case centers on potential breaches involving confidential information, prompting the issuance of commissions rogatorias—formal requests for judicial cooperation.

These requests are designed to obtain all relevant data held by the service providers that might pertain to the activities in question.

WhatsApp and Google, as major providers of communication and data storage services, have been asked to supply any information stored on their platforms that could illuminate the digital communications of García Ortiz.

These platforms are frequently employed in both personal and professional capacities, potentially making them key sources of electronic evidence.

The request highlights the increasing intersection between technology and legal processes, as law enforcement agencies and judicial systems look to tech companies for crucial information in criminal and civil cases.

The ultimate objective is to ensure justice and accountability while balancing privacy considerations.

This development is part of a broader investigation, drawing interest due to its involvement of high-ranking officials and the technological complexities of data retrieval from private companies headquartered outside of Spain.

The Supreme Court's approach underscores the importance of international cooperation in legal investigations, particularly when they involve multinational corporations with significant data holdings.

This case continues as authorities work to navigate the intricacies of accessing digital information across borders.