[tecleandor]

Nothing to do with that. They were under investigation and they could be destroying evidence.

"Companies and individuals have a legal responsibility to preserve documents when involved in government investigations or litigation in order to promote efficient and effective enforcement that protects the American public."

[elevatedastalt]

Preserve documents, yes.

But there is no responsibility to create new potentially incriminating evidence against themselves. Just because you are under investigation does not mean all your communication henceforth needs to be recorded.

[ameister14]

It does, however, mean that your new documents related to the litigation must be preserved. Just because a machine destroys it for you as a service doesn't mean you don't have a duty to preserve. They control the disappearing time.

[dlubarov]

Looking at FRCP rule 37, it uses language like "reasonable steps to preserve" electronic information, and "intent to deprive another party of the information’s use". I'm no expert, but it does sound like this might imply an obligation to change retention settings, switch to another chat app, or figure out some other way to preserve relevant information (if litigation is anticipated).