German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for strict data protection rules and transparency from Internet firms including Google and Facebook all through the European Union, amidst reports of US online snooping.
Merkel urged that Germany require all the European firms to furnish details on who they are offering data to.
German pubilc broadcaster ARD cited Merkel as saying "I expect a clear commitment from the US government that in future they will stick to German law."
The Chancellor also revealed that the different systems deployed across the EU make it complicated to control who has rights to access the data of internet users.
"We have a great data protection law," Merkel added.
"But if Facebook is registered in Ireland, then Irish law is valid, and therefore we need unified European rules."
Merkel also revealed plans to negotiate an agreement internationally and that "it would of course be good if Europe spoke with one voice."
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During early June 2013, US agencies including National Security Agency and the FBI have allegedly tapped directly into the servers of nine major US internet firms to collect the users’ data.
Further, the European Parliament revealed plans to conduct an in-depth inquiry into the US surveillance programmes.
