Your virtual friendships come with privacy risks, campaigners warn

Most social media users unaware of potential threat of surveillance under snooper's charter, rights groups say

Many Britons are exposing themselves to surveillance and fraud risks, privacy campaigners have warned after a poll found that almost half of people surveyed preferred to keep in touch with friends virtually rather than in person.

The survey of 2,000 people also found that 79% maintain friendships they feel would wither without being linked through social media, and a further 72% believe online networks have strengthened their friendships.