Dispute over Data Retention | People

For German interior minister Hans-Peter Friedrich, data retention is an important tool in combating right-wing terrorism. He says storage of telephone details and internet traffic is essential for fighting crime. But that position has put him in direct conflict with his fellow cabinet-member, justice minister Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger. She sees data retention as a violation of citizens'right to privacy. The longstanding dispute has divided the governing coalition.