@article{WANG2025, 
author = {Chenhao WANG and Fangzhou HE and Zhongyi JIAN},
title = {Research on the Extraction and Analysis Method of Social Networks in WeChat Moments},
year = {2025},
journal = {Forensic Science and Technology},
volume = {50},
number = {1},
pages = {41-47},
keywords = {WeChat Moments, WeChat chat records, force-directed graph, word cloud, criminal investigation},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.16467/j.1008-3650.2024.0006},
doi = {10.16467/j.1008-3650.2024.0006},
abstract = {Within the realm of law enforcement, the utilization of WeChat data has emerged as an indispensable investigation tool, extensively employed in crime investigations and clues tracking. This paper focuses on the information shared by WeChat users in their Moments, with particular attention to interactions between friends. A method for extracting and analyzing clues based on the WeChat Moments relationship network is proposed. Firstly, social connections between users and friends are extracted by analyzing interactions such as likes and comments in WeChat Moments. The WeChat Moments relationship network is then constructed using force-directed graph techniques, providing a visual representation of the relationships between users and their friends. Subsequently, in-depth analysis is conducted through graph clustering and centrality analysis methods. By identifying closely connected individuals, potential associated groups and social circles are revealed, offering key leads for subsequent investigative work. Lastly, focusing on these closely connected individuals, a thorough analysis of their chat records is performed using word cloud technology and the TextRank algorithm. By mining keywords and topics, a more comprehensive understanding of communication content is obtained, aiding in the accurate assessment of the activities and intentions of individuals involved in the case. Through application and validation in real cases, this method demonstrates the ability to rapidly construct the WeChat Moments relationship network, identify closely connected individuals, and perform targeted analysis of their chat records. The results of the experiments show significant achievements in improving the efficiency, accuracy, and depth of lead acquisition, providing robust support for law enforcement investigations. The proposed method, based on the WeChat Moments relationship network, offers new perspectives and technological means for law enforcement investigations. Future work may involve further optimizing algorithms and enhancing the capability to handle large-scale data to adapt to the complex and dynamic nature of criminal environments, thereby providing more effective support for investigative efforts.}
}