Germany plans to introduce a new privacy code this December to balance privacy concerns with online services, The Wall Street Journal reports, and has asked Internet firms to submit suggestions for self-regulation. "I expect the services to commit to strong privacy rules," said Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière. The announcement follows recent controversy around the introduction of street-level mapping applications such as Google's Street View, the report states. A Google spokeswoman has said the company is looking forward to taking part in "constructive conversations" about the issues, and that, "Any future legislation must make sure that in addition to the requirements of data protection, the development of innovative business opportunities and modern technology are allowed to flourish." (Registration may be required to access this story.)
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