Yesterday a coalition of Technology companies released their plan for reforming how the government conducts surveillance.  See below for the full press release.

In addition to the press release there were a couple of other related stories.

CNN featured a story today, “Microsoft Fights Back Against NSA Snooping”

(CNN) — Still concerned about some faceless government bureaucrat peeking at your e-mails and other online communications? Well, you’ve got a new champion: Microsoft.

The computing giant has announced a set of new privacy features, in a post that specifically calls out “government snooping” as the reason.

Responding to news reports that the National Security Agency may be monitoring more online activity than was previously believed, Microsoft attorney and executive vice president Brad Smith wrote that the company is rolling out three new features:

– Expanded encryption across Microsoft services.

– Reinforced legal protections for customer data.

The Guardian also covered tech companies and their demands for change . Internet companies demand spying overhaul after NSA revelations – live reaction

Here is the full text of the press release

WASHINGTON, Dec. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Today AOL, Apple, Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Microsoft, Twitter and Yahoo joined together to propose principles for reforming government surveillance laws and practices. The companies also urged the President and the United States Congress to take the lead on reform with an open letter that reads:

Dear Mr. President and Members of Congress,

We understand that governments have a duty to protect their citizens. But this summer’s revelations highlighted the urgent need to reform government surveillance practices worldwide. The balance in many countries has tipped too far in favor of the state and away from the rights of the individual–rights that are enshrined in our Constitution. This undermines the freedoms we all cherish. It’s time for change.

For our part, we are focused on keeping users’ data secure­­–deploying the latest encryption technology to prevent unauthorized surveillance on our networks, and by pushing back on government requests to ensure that they are legal and reasonable in scope.

We urge the US to take the lead and make reforms that ensure that government surveillance efforts are clearly restricted by law, proportionate to the risks, transparent and subject to independent oversight. To see the full set of principles we support, visit  www.reformgovernmentsurveillance.com.

AOL

Apple

Facebook

Google

LinkedIn

Microsoft

Twitter

Yahoo

Company executives also provided statements on the principles of reform:

“AOL is committed to preserving the privacy of our customers’ information, while respecting the right of governments to request information on specific users for lawful purposes. AOL is proud to unite with other leading Internet companies to advocate on behalf of our consumers,” said Tim Armstrong, Chairman and CEO, AOL.

“Reports about government surveillance have shown there is a real need for greater disclosure and new limits on how governments collect information. The U.S. Government should take this opportunity to lead this reform effort and make things right.” -­ Mark Zuckerberg, CEO, Facebook

“The security of users’ data is critical, which is why we’ve invested so much in encryption and fight for transparency around government requests for information. This is undermined by the apparent wholesale collection of data, in secret and without independent oversight, by many governments around the world.  It’s time for reform and we urge the US government to lead the way.” -­ Larry Page, CEO, Google

“These principles embody Linkedin’s fundamental commitment to transparency and ensuring appropriate government practices that are respectful of our members’ expectations.” ­- Erika Rottenberg, General Counsel, LinkedIn.

“People won’t use technology they don’t trust. Governments have put this trust at risk, and governments need to help restore it.” ­­–­­­­­­ Brad Smith, General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Legal and Corporate Affairs, Microsoft

“Twitter is committed to defending and protecting the voice of our users. Unchecked, undisclosed government surveillance inhibits the free flow of information and restricts their voice. The principles we advance today would reform the current system to appropriately balance the needs of security and privacy while safeguarding the essential human right of free expression.” ­- Dick Costolo, CEO, Twitter

“Protecting the privacy of our users is incredibly important to Yahoo. Recent revelations about government surveillance activities have shaken the trust of our users, and it is time for the United States government to act to restore the confidence of citizens around the world. Today we join our colleagues in the tech industry calling on the United States Congress to change surveillance laws in order to ensure transparency and accountability for government actions.” -­ Marissa Mayer, CEO, Yahoo.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.