New York, February 13 (RHC)-- A newly conducted survey has indicated that most investigative journalists in the United States believe that the government is spying on them.

About two-thirds of the members of the nonprofit Investigative Reporters and Editors group concern that the government collects journalists' phone call data, emails or on-line communication, the poll from the Pew Research Center/Columbia University showed.

According to the poll, which surveyed 671 investigative reporters, producers, editors, data specialists and photojournalists, fears of government spying are higher among journalists who report on the federal government or national security and foreign affairs.

Seventy-one percent of these journalists say the government has collected their data. Sixty-two percent of other investigative journalists also agreed. Almost 50 percent of the investigative reporters said they have changed how they store their documents due to such concerns. And thirteen percent of the surveyed journalists said government spying or hacking would make them consider not reaching out to a source.

The survey was conducted amid fears of a government crackdown on perceived national security leaks. Rights groups say the policy is a threat to freedom of the press.