|
Proposal to ban street photography?
"THERE is a
proposal for a street photography ban on the No.10 Downing Street
website to stop people photographing without permission, which will
kill documentary and street photography. Yes, most Press carry ID
cards and it is correct that they should, but to ban photographers
from taking photographs in public places will kill off photography
in the UK and have serious repercussions. It will also kill amateur
photography and what is worse, create a situation in which the UK
Government can control the media! I do not think people will appreciate the long term
impact on society, as this government is using spin and the fear of
terrorism and paedophiles to push through legislation that is
eroding our rights and freedoms that past generations have fought
hard to get us. This type of suggestion is just what our
government would consider if we do not say no now to these
suggestions, my they be from government or none government. This is now taking
things way too far and we should now all stand up and say enough is
enough. What will be next if they get this through?” Linzi P. Full
address supplied.
Link to the 10 Downing St. Photography E-Petition:-
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Photography/
Deadline to sign up by:- 14 August 2007.
Notes from editor:- “Thank you
Linzi for your email. This is I agree a very worrying thing
that anyone should think it would help.
Take a look at
the posters website though and you will see it is not a government
idea, as of yet...
phooto.co.uk/rights.shtml
Sadly the
wording on this E-Petition is a bit miss leading, but it is a
valid point all the same and I think still well worth signing..
It is a fundamental right of any free nation to be able to take
photographs, but I can see what some are saying.
Press
photographers, like myself already have ID cards and we are always
happy to show our ID to anyone who asks...."
...continued... |
...continued...
"Cameras
are now so small that they cannot be seen, so enforcing such
legislation or rules would be an impossible task.
The idea of
making people carry ID cards will not stop problems.
There are a
number of moves promoting the requirement of 'ID' cards to allow
photographers to operate in a public place, but none as of yet are
by the government. Many of these ideas are with good intentions.
But it is correct to highlight this and nip it in the bud before
they do take this as a good idea.
These moves to
get ID cards have prompted more paranoia and only promote suspicion
towards genuine people following their hobby or profession.”
We sent this the
email out to find out what others think:-
"I
have just had this email from a friend who is also a photographer
like me. I thought you would be very interested in it. This is not
spam! Please let us know what you think about this topic below.
--------- attached received email ---------
If you'd like
to tell your friends about this petition, its permanent web address
is:-
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Photography/
Hi. Theres a proposal for a street photography ban on the
No.10 Downing st website to stop people photographing without
permission, which will kill documentary and street photography.
If you disagree with the proposal please sign the petition the link
is above. Thanks L***"
The feedback was
interesting from photographers and some of the media, these are
three of the replies we got back nearly straight away:-
"It is an urban
legend hoax. See this
link." M. Hodson.
Full address supplied.
"Thank you for
your email. This is shocking and yes I agree that cards will only
further the suspicion and misunderstandings that many photographers
already suffer. I also note the E-Petition is not based on
government ideas, but ideas being suggested to them. I do hope
others read it and take note. It is still worth signing and a
very good topic to bring up." H. O'Neill.
Full address supplied.
"It is a
ambiguous in its wording, but follow the chaps webpage and you will
see what he is saying. I have to say though I am surprised to see
you saying that it is a bad idea, as you are noted for your views
that press should carry ID cards! If the public did it might ease
suspicion and misunderstandings.
The problem
would be, unlike the media who have strike controls on ID cards, who
would in force other people’s cards. This is a none starter, but
I can see people trying to introduce it." S
Williams. Full address
supplied.
What are your views?
Email our news room today at
news24@southportreporter.com. |
