For several years, defense attorneys have turned to social media websites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to gather information about plaintiffs making claims against them. But, a recent string of cases appear to be the first in the state to directly address exactly when defendants need to turn over their social media findings.

Three decisions out of the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas came down recently, all of which deny efforts by defendants who had sought to withhold their social media-related findings until after the plaintiffs had been deposed.