Main content

Microsoft's German Defence Against Web Snooping

A Deutsche Telekom subsidiary, T-Systems, will operate two new data centres on Microsoft's behalf. This means Microsoft staff cannot access the information without permission.

The shockwaves created by Edward Snowden's revelations about the extent of US government spying continue to be felt across the world. Now Microsoft is attempting to soothe the anxiety caused by the former CIA agent's disclosures, especially in Europe. The company is to build new data centres inside Germany, to store European customers' information. Paul Miller, from Forrester Research in the UK, explains the importance of the deal.

European leaders are meeting African leaders in Malta to try to put together a plan to improve conditions in the countries from where hundreds of illegal migrants are making their way to Europe. We have a special report from a refugee camp in Ethiopia, where many Eritreans are based before trying to make the journey to Europe. And we speak to Michael Clemens, from the Centre for Global Development, who says the EU's proposed $1.9bn aid package has no chance as a financial incentive to encourage people to stay in their home country.

Plus, how often do you really need to check your emails? As one Italian employer bans all internal staff emails for one week in an attempt to lower worker stress, we hear from the author of one study who says being hooked on your inbox is not good for your health.

All this and more discussed with our guests Peter Morici, professor of international business at the University of Maryland in Washington, and Peggy Liu, chair of the JUCCCE environmental campaign in Shanghai.

(Photo: Computer stacks in a data centre. Credit: Thinkstock.)

Available now

50 minutes

Broadcast

  • Thu 12 Nov 2015 01:06GMT

Podcast