From Dark Reading

Documents show investigators are going undercover on social networks to tail criminals

The Federal Bureau of Investigations may use fake identities on social networks to investigate criminal activities, according to a redacted FBI document acquired by digital rights advocacy group Electronic Frontier Foundation.

Specifically, the 33-page confidential presentation says undercover operations are helpful for communicating with suspects and targets of crime, gaining access to private information, and mapping social networks. However, the presentation expresses concern that undercover use may be complicated by the court's decision in the trial of Lori Drew, who was acquitted of cyber-bullying a girl who later committed suicide, and that violations of terms of service by not using their own name can render access unauthorized.

The presentation instructs agents to investigate all witnesses on social networking sites, advising its own witnesses not to discuss cases and be careful about what they post online.

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