Millions of people all over the world have read the saucy secret Claire Swire sent to one of her friends.

It was just a private joke 26-year-old Claire sent to Bradley Chait. But he in turn sent it to more friends and the message was secret no longer.

Mr Chait was indiscreet in telling other people. In the old days of surface mail it wouldn't have reached more than a few others.

Because both parties used email, the message was transmitted quickly and as people found it amusing, so it magnified.

Claire, whose parents live near Uckfield, will have been embarrassed but no more than that by her 15 minutes of fame.

But her experience is a warning to everyone who uses new technology that privacy is by no means certain.

There's no guarantee, as in this case, that whoever receives the message will keep it private. It's also perfectly possible for employers and technologically smart staff to snoop through any electronic messages they wish to see.

All this has serious implications for individuals and firms who wish to conduct confidential business and there are legal or financial details which sometimes should be kept under wraps.

It's best to use old-fashioned technology including snail mail and word of mouth to increase the chances of secrets remaining that way.