in the U.K. : Home Office issues new advice on Photography and Terrorism Laws

<p>"<br>

On Tuesday afternoon the Home Office sent out advice to all the Chief Police Officers in the UK about the use of Terrorism laws on photographers, they say:</p>

<blockquote>

<p>This circular has been produced to clarify counter-terrorism legislation in relation to photography in a public place. Concerns have been raised that sections of the Terrorism Act 2000 are being used to stop people taking photographs – whether this is photographs of buildings or people – and that cameras are being confiscated during such searches. "</p>

<p>http://photographernotaterrorist.org/2009/08/home-office-issues-new-advice/</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Good news on paper, but it will be interesting to see how it plays out on the street....</p>

<p>I don't think this is going to help enthusiasts much. For a start, it still seems to operate on an guilty until proven inoocent basis. Being a tourist is an "excuse", but an enthusiast is apparently suspect by default. I suspect the mass of security guards, PCSOs and other general jobsworths will not be looking at the finer points of the interpretation anyway.<br>

I still await even anecdotal evidence that terrorists have ever used photos to plan attacks. With the significant attacks in recent years suicide bombers have just hopped on the nearest tube train. It is a bit strange that google street view and street map photos are allowed if photos are a real problem. Here is an aerial photo of where the Prime Minister lives if anyone is interested. http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&hl=en&tab=wl. Of course there has been terrorism in this country since the IRA in the 70s and our basic liberties survived that. The seiers on "The Power of Nightwares" is worth watching if you get the chance.</p>

<p><em>Here is an aerial photo of where the Prime Minister lives if anyone is interested. <a rel="nofollow" href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&hl=en&tab=wl" target="_blank">(link)</a> </em><br>

Interesting! He now lives in the Irish Sea, about 25 miles southeast of the Isle of Man....<em></em></p>

<p>It will be interesting indeed to see if there is any change on the streets. But it is good to see that Lord Carlile's enquiry has produced some response.</p>