Ha, some of these are the same folks that allowed the government in to root around their media (Twitter claims it hasn’t), now they’re trying to create daylight between themselves and the government because of angry customer backlash.
Via Daily Mail:
Eight of the world’s largest technology companies have urged Barack Obama and other leaders to rein in internet surveillance.
Firms including Facebook, Apple, Google and Twitter signed a joint letter warning that in many countries the balance between security and individual freedom is tipped too far in the State’s favour.
It comes after former intelligence operative Edward Snowden disclosed details of mass surveillance techniques used by the US and Britain.
In their letter to President Obama and Congress, the firms said: ‘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 rare show of unity by usually fierce competitors is seen as a reflection of the damage in public confidence inflicted by leaks from the former NSA contractor-turned-whistleblower Snowden.