The French are famously indifferent to their politicians' private lives, which are protected by strong privacy laws: affairs are tolerated, if not de rigueur, for public figures.

ECONOMIST: Dominique Strauss-Kahn

The Dubai Islamic Bank believes it is filling a gap in the market by offering women extra privacy in their financial affairs - in some cases secrecy from their husbands - and a more relaxed atmosphere in which they can discuss their needs.

BBC: Women-only bank in Gulf

Robert Callahan, director of state government affairs at TechAmerica, said Web companies already seek to protect users' privacy.

WSJ: Online-Data Bill Sets Up Privacy Fight