In addition all companies abide by a strict code of ethics and must implement tight quality control procedures.

"I also believe the Japanese companies have taken the semiconductor agreement seriously and will abide by it."

McDonald's lawyers refused to comment, except to say the company will abide by the judgment.

Dr. Hunkapiller said the company has abided by this but added, "reasonable, from our perspective, doesn't mean free."

His legislation would force companies to abide by a consumer's choice to opt out of such data collection.

The fact that a few companies are not abiding by the law does not mean that Congress needs to intervene.

But he said the company abided by all labor laws and paid wages "above the average in the area."

Justice Department officials said the program works effectively when companies abide by its spirit and bring forth information before the Government learns of the possible fraud.

If a company performs well but does not abide by the fund's guidelines, he said, the fund would meet with the company.

Microsoft said the company abided by the laws, regulations and norms of each country in which it operates.