sleuth

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) may be using fake identities on social networks to investigate criminal activities, according to digital rights group Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).

The EFF cites a 33-page FBI presentation obtained through a Freedom of Information request that describes how investigators should collect and use evidence from social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and LinkedIn.

The document says undercover operations online are helpful for contacting suspected criminals and victims, accessing private information and mapping social networks.

Evidence gathered from social networks can help reveal personal communication links, establish motives and provide location information, the document says.