A revelatory document procured by the Electronic Frontier Foundation shows that Federal Agents have been accessing social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and LinkedIn to obtain information that can assist in fighting crime.

The document has received a mixed reaction. While some question the methods undertaken by the Department of Justice, for others it is no surprise that law enforcement is entering the realms of social networking to conduct undercover operations and obtain evidence.

Facebook spokesperson Andrew Noyes shared that Facebook has developed materials to help law enforcement officials to understand the site better. He also said, “We scrutinize every single law enforcement request; require a detailed description of why the request is being made; and if it is deemed appropriate, share only the minimum amount of information”.

He maintained that Facebook tries to strike a balance between needs of law enforcement officials and the privacy of their users.

The 33 page document cites what kind of information can prove to be useful in an undercover operation. Social networking sites can be used to reveal, personal communications, establish motives, personal relationships, provide location information, prove and disprove alibis, and establish crime.