Google and Microsoft have joined forces with Apple, Facebook, AOL, LinkedIn, Twitter and Yahoo to highlight the 'need to reform government surveillance practices worldworldwide'. In the US, the particular concern is with the National Security Agency (NSA). 'People won't use technology they don't trust,' said Brad Smith of Microsoft. 'Governments have put this trust at risk, and governments need to help restore it.'  LinkedIn's GC Erica Rottenberg spoke of the need for 'appropriate government practices that are respectful of our members' expectations'. Google's GC Kent Walker said: 'Strong encryption will go a long way towards ensuring the security and integrity of user data.  We want to make sure policy makers and the public know what's at stake if we don't get this right.' Source: The Daily Mail