The Chicago Sun-Times reports Chicago mulls $500 fine for camera phone abuse

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Chicago wants to get tough with camera phone users and might make it a crime -- punishable by a fine of up to $500 -- to take photos in locations where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as in locker rooms, showers and hospitals.

Also, it seems that you couldn't have a camera phone in those areas unless the camera was "not operational."  What does that mean?  Does it mean your phone has to be turned off or the camera function has to be disabled (that subscribers aren't able to do)?

In addition, one Chicago Alderman is considering broadening the legislation to cover possible identity theft -- someone standing behind you in a check-out line try to photograph your credit card (a feat that is very, very, very difficult, as I've discussed previously).

Comments

[Jon Gales]

Good catch Alan. What are they going to do to people who have photographic memories? Better than a camera phone and can't ever be shut off.

I personally think it's more likely for someone (not even someone with a photographic memory) to memorize your Visa number than for a picture clear enough to be taken.