A global code of conduct has been signed by Microsoft, Google and Yahoo to protect free speech online and to combat official intrusion on the Internet.

The name of this agreement is The Global Network Initiative. The code has been put in place as a response to criticism that the large online companies have been complicit with regard countries such as China censoring the internet. The code's goal is to limit the data shared with authorities.

The Global Network Initiative was drawn up by the internet companies along with human rights groups, academics and investors.

The code says that privacy is "a human right and guarantor of human dignity," and the agreement commits the companies to try to resist overly broad demands for restrictions on freedom of speech and the privacy of users. The code commits participants to look at the human rights climate in a country before concluding business deals and to ensure their employees and partners do the same.

Source: BBC News