German Chancellor Angela Merkel has vowed to push for tougher European laws to protect personal information on the internet, BBC News reported.

In a TV interview with the public broadcaster ARD, she said Germany wanted internet companies "to tell us in Europe who they are giving data to".

Her comments follow revelations about a U.S. spying operation that collects users' data from internet companies.

Merkel also said she expected the U.S. to abide by German law.

Tensions have been running high between the two countries following reports that the U.S. has been eavesdropping on EU and German officials.

"I expect a clear commitment from the U.S. government that in future they will stick to German law," she said.