At a White House news conference, he proposed "safeguards against abuse", including amending legislation on the collection of telephone data.
Mr Obama also urged appointing a lawyer to challenge the government at the nation's secretive surveillance court.
He has been defending the programmes since they were leaked in June.
Snowden 'no patriot'
Mr Obama said on Friday that the US "can and must be more transparent" about its snooping on phone and internet data.
"Given the history of abuse by governments, it's right to ask questions about surveillance, particularly as technology is reshaping every aspect of our lives," he told reporters.
"It's not enough for me as president to have confidence in these programmes," Mr Obama added. "The American people need to have confidence as well." (+ video) » | Saturday, August 10, 2013
