News Item

Newsmeldung

21.01.2010, Berlin, 09:00 Uhr

German minister discusses privacy and security

Thomas de Maizière, Germany's Federal Minister of the Interior, invited a range of experts to discuss privacy and data security on the Internet. Bloggers and net activists showed little immediate enthusiasm for the outcome of the debate. "It is disappointing that the minister did not draw any legislative conclusions from all the talk and the many suggested improvements", said Patrick Bayer of the Working Group on Data Retention.

Blogger Markus Beckedahl (Netzpolitik.org) welcomed the discussion itself, but also stated that, "actions must now follow." The majority of participants asked for greater transparency. Some suggested an annual "data letter" which would be sent to all citizens, containing all information gathered on them. The minister was sceptical of this proposal, pointing out it would require an additional, unnecessary data base that could lead to new privacy issues.

De Maizière said there would ideally be consensus with all actors before passing any new laws affecting the Internet, but also reminded participants that, in the end, it will always be the majority in Germany's First Chamber of Parliament that determines the fate of new laws.

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