Technology giants like Microsoft, Google and Yahoo have reached an agreement with other Internet companies and human rights groups to draw up a voluntary code of conduct for doing business in countries like China that impose restrictions on Internet, reports Wall Street Journal.

The three companies have sent separate letters to Sen. Richard Durbin (D., Ill.), and Sen. Tom Coburn (R., Okla.). Among the few specifics about the code mentioned in the letters include formulating principles on freedom of expression and privacy, identifying guidelines for their implementation, and drawing up a governance, accountability and learning framework, writes Los Angeles Times.

According to the letters, this code will spell out principles of freedom of expression and privacy in countries where governments seek users' private information or block access to certain Web sites.
Last month, Sen. Durbin and Sen. Tom Coburn urged these companies to finalize the code of conduct before the Olympics began. This is significant as a code of conduct is required to protect information about athletes, journalists and tourists who will be using the Internet during the Games.

Meanwhile, Sen. Durbin urged US firms operating in repressive countries to do everything possible to resist censorship and protect user privacy and freedom of expression, thus ensuring protection of fundamental human rights.

This project of framing a voluntary code of conduct for businesses in repressive countries started in January 2007 and is expected to be finalized later this year.