Section 44, The DEB and the ICO code

Two images I took at the 'We Own The Streets' demonstration back in January 2008  

It's annoying to be labeled a "Paparazzi" for taking more than one picture of something with a camera any larger than an IXUS, but one can at least understand the thinking behind it. However, thanks to anti-terror legislation - namely Section 44 - more and more photographers are now finding themselves viewed as suspected terror threats, detained while at work and questioned in relation to so-called "hostile surveillance." I have now been questioned and/or prevented from taking photographs on three separate occasions in London.

For more information about Section 44, your rights and the gatherings protesting its implementation, have a look here:

I'm a Photographer, Not a Terrorist! 

On top of this, our Government is planning to effectively dismantle copyright law in relation to orphan works usage rights and ban non-consensual photography in public. This is obviously going to make it increasingly difficult (if not impossible) for photographers to both control their images online and work in public. 

For more information about the Digital Economy Bill and the The ICO code click here. This law has not yet gone through so there is still time to write to your MP and voice your opposition! 

Strangely, although we may soon be allowed to object to having our souls stolen by street photographers, we still can't seem to do anything about all the CCTV!