Responding to a growing public call on reforms over National Security Agency's surveillance programs worldwide, President Obama announced a series of reform proposals.
He said he had ordered the intelligence agencies to stop holding bulk Americans' phone records, a scandal first disclosed by former employee of NSA contractor Edward Snowden last summer.
He also suggested set up a new panel to serve as public advocates in cases handled by a special surveillance court.
"This effort will not be completed overnight, and given the pace of technological change, we shouldn't expect this to be the last time America has this debate. But I want the American people to know that the work has begun."
In addition, the US President has ordered new restrictions on snooping on close U.S. allies, saying he would pick up the phone and call the leaders rather than turning to surveillance.
However, the number of these close allies is limited to only a few dozen.
The President also criticized Edward Snowden for causing security and diplomatic problems for his country.
"I will say that our nation's defense depends in part on the fidelity of those entrusted with our nation's secrets. If any individual who objects to government policy can take it in their own hands to publicly disclose classified information, then we will never be able to keep our people safe, or conduct foreign policy."
US media, on the other hand, are giving credits to Edward Snowden for triggering this important debate and forced the government to try to strike a midpoint between security demands and privacy protection.
And many are asking how these measures will be carried out.
Xiaohong, CRI, Washington.
