Seeing red, London.
If it becomes law, the UK's Digital Economy Bill is basically a license to steal, allowing commercial use of any photograph whose creator cannot be identified "through a suitably negligent search." Further the bill seeks to ban "non-consensual" photography in public places.
For months now, UK police have been stopping ordinary citizens and press photographers alike - as they were taking photos of public buildings and at tourist sites - and deleting their photos. Under Section s44 of the Terrorism Act 2000, police do not have the right to delete photos - or even view them, other than in very limited circumstances. In response to such over-zealous and unwarranted police action, photographers formed a group "I'm a photographer, not a terrorist."
With the proposed Digital Economy Bill, it appears the British government wants to provide virtually free online content for businesses, while insuring photographers aren't easily rewarded or recognised for their work. In a country where an estimated 4.2 million CCTV cameras located every few feet record its citizens' practically every move, it is deeply ironic that the government is trying to censor photography in public.
I can't imagine these latest Draconian measures will prove popular with the tourism industry, or with the press trying to cover news events.
For more information about photographers' rights in the UK, visit Photorights.org and "I'm a photographer, not a terrorist."
Well, this stinks!
Posted by: Colette | 26 February 2010 at 17:14
Years ago, my husband was traveling in S. America and had the same experience. He took his camera and was busy shooting things about town he found interesting. Poof! No more photos! I don't remember what country it was in now, but I know it was over 20 yrs ago. Of course, seems to me there was also an article in Life Magazine at the time, about hotel rooms in that country being bugged also. Sad state of affairs.
Posted by: MAWB | 21 February 2010 at 05:27
I would say the world has gotten a bit too controlling and crazy. Where are the days of freedom and flowers?
Posted by: Marilyn | 21 February 2010 at 01:18
its ridiculous...
Posted by: Crafty Green poet | 20 February 2010 at 19:37
Yeah, I don't get this either. The first part, the idea that someone can use another's artwork or photography if they can't find them after a "suitably negligent search" (what does that mean exactly? Who sets the perimeters for a proper search?) raises eyebrows...and unfortunately sounds alot like the proposed Orphan Art Act in the United States. When you read the letters by those who propose the act, its obvious that they are thinking of the rights of corporations before the rights of the individuals who took the time to make the art in the first place.
As for the police stopping people from taking photographs in public places... Again, it sounds like the law they brought into New York regarding photography in places like Times Square. I can understand the need to be safe and alert to suspicious activity but at the same time, when does it become downright ridiculous?
Good post, Tara.
Posted by: susanna | 20 February 2010 at 18:10
Thank you Tara for the information.
Hope you will have a wonderful trip!
Be safe!!
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 20 February 2010 at 18:00
What is the logic to this bill? I don't quite see its goal.
Posted by: Diogenes | 20 February 2010 at 17:06
Gillian, if the misguided bill becomes law, it's certain to be challenged in court. The bill's dictates are just wrong, on so many levels.
On a brighter note, see you soon!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 20 February 2010 at 16:11
I always thought of the UK as a progressive country but not in this regard, this seems to be a big step backward. Is it an attempt at National Security? Makes you wonder the motivations behind it.
Also, aren't photos intellectual property? There are existing laws to protect artistic creations.
Sad.
xo
SEVEN DAYS! WHoooot!
Posted by: Gillian soon to be in Petra! | 20 February 2010 at 15:07
What?! That is the craziest thing I ever heard.
;(
Posted by: amber | 20 February 2010 at 01:53
Is it just me or does anyone else feel at times that human beings are breeding common sense out of people?
Posted by: Mary H. | 20 February 2010 at 00:53
Incredibly disheartening....
Posted by: Helen | 20 February 2010 at 00:02
Good grief. Now you'll have to start carrying your resume or portfolio with you everytime you go shoot something. What IS it with this world, anyway?
Posted by: jeanie | 19 February 2010 at 23:25
It's a world gone mad. Thanks for the heads up.
Posted by: Mlle Paradis | 19 February 2010 at 22:41