Billions of users accross the world do not trust the internet thanks to all the hacking allegations, according to the VP of the European Commission, Neelie Kroes.
She said that the future of the internet is based on trust as she joined UK PM David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the ongoing CeBIT trade fair in Hannover
"To make the "leap of faith" into this new world, reliability and trust is a pre-condition," she said.
"But when even the phone of the Chancellor is not sacred, that trust can never again be taken for granted.
"Not only that, it is clear that for millions of Germans, and billions around the world, that trust is now missing."
She added: "The next phase of the internet will be data-centred and connectivity driven. Cloud computing, big data, the Internet of Things; tools which support manufacturing, education, energy, our cars and more.
"The internet is no longer about emails."
The EC has prepared a proposal for a data protection directive that mandates companies and governments to assume responsibility for data.
Kores said that the data leaked by whistle-blower Edward Snowden had been a ‘wake-up call’ and citizens should not ‘snooze through it’.
"Let’s work together with the best and trusted partners in and outside Europe," she concluded.
At the ongoing meeting, Germany and the UK have signed a bilateral pact between three universities from the two countries in a bid to develop 5G wireless technology.
