Italy pledges to improve data privacy protection

ROME (AP) -- The Italian government says it is taking steps to better protect the privacy of its citizens' data in the wake of revelations about the U.S. National Security Agency's surveillance work.

Premier Enrico Letta's office said the basis of a protocol was laid down Monday between a government privacy watchdog and Italian intelligence offices.

The statement did not give details about what was agreed upon, but it says the effort is aimed at better protecting people's privacy.

U.S. leaker Edward Snowden's revelations about the NSA's spying programs have prompted concern from activists and politicians in countries from Latin America to Europe.