White House Working on Privacy Bill Even As it Defends NSA Conduct

Trying to placate EU officials

Even as it defends the National Security Agency's controversial Internet surveillance programs, the Obama administration has been working on legislation to boost online privacy safeguards for consumers.

The fact that the administration is trying to advance such a measure — amid reports that the government can access people's online communications — speaks to growing tensions with Europe over privacy. Top European Union officials have called for tighter data rules for U.S. Internet companies, and a base-line privacy bill would strengthen the administration's hand in negotiating with Europe.