In talks with Google co-founder Larry Page in Berlin today (20 May), Federal Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle emphasized the importance of freedom of opinion on the internet. He was briefed on Google’s experience in China as well as in other countries.

In connection with the current debate over Google’s “Street View” programme, Federal Minister Westerwelle referred to the importance of data protection in Germany. A company that campaigns for civil and individual liberties should also commit to data protection, the Federal Minister stated.