Friends
You may wish to make “friends” on a third party web page. But remember that approving a “friend” may make other users of a site think they are more trustworthy.
Check all friends carefully before you approve them. Look at their profiles first. If you have any doubts about whether you should approve a friend, discuss it with your Interactive Editor/senior editorial figure.
Review “friends” comments regularly and remove (or do not post) any which exceed the appropriate threshold.
If you want to update your list of “friends” with a regular newsletter, make sure they are happy to receive it. Only use the list for activities on the same site or you may be in breach of the Data Protection Act.
If you want to make “friends” with an organisation (eg a company or a political campaign), consult your Interactive Editor/senior editorial figure first. Remember that this is likely to give the impression that the BBC is endorsing the organisation.
Once accepted, some group “friends” have changed from an innocuous group into porn or gambling spammers, so these are worth keeping an eye on.