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The German Government has passed a national Digital Agenda bill aimed at further developing high-speed data lines, improving internet security and fostering cyber-related entrepreneurship.

Yet the Minister for Economic Affairs, Sigmar Gabriel, says the new law could still be improved and there are questions regarding the funding of the projects. In comments carried on EurActiv, Gabriel said: “The Digital Agenda should invite debate over the strategic programme. It is not a new subsidies programme.”

Adding his thoughts, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Thomas de Maizière, says there needs to be greater trust between businesses and citizens in the digital world.

The new law, passed by the German cabinet, also paves the way for the installation of high-speed internet across the country by 2018. It is also hoped that that the rate of the creation of ICT firms will increase to 15,000 companies annually, up from 10,000 at present.

The German Government has also proposed a new data security law, which is currently being debated in parliament.