Eight major technology giants have joined together to call for tougher controls over U.S. government surveillance exposed by Edward Snowden. In an open letter to President Obama and the Congress, firms including Apple, Google and Facebook write: “This summer’s revelations highlighted the urgent need to reform government surveillance practices worldwide. The balance in many countries has tipped too far in favor of the state and away from the rights of the individual — rights that are enshrined in our Constitution. This undermines the freedoms we all cherish. It’s time for a change.” The companies have formed a website outlining their stance at ReformGovernmentSurveillance.com.