There have been numerous articles in the press about the House of Representatives' Judiciary Committee unanimously approving a so-called "video voyeurism" bill that makes taking illicit photos with camera phones and other imaging devices a Federal crime that punishable by a fine and up to a year in prison, such as an article in The Washington Post.
The Post says, "The bill would make it illegal to videotape, photograph, film, broadcast or record someone who is naked or in underwear in any place where a 'reasonable person would believe that he or she could disrobe in privacy.'"
The bill already passed the Senate. It's expected to pass in the House, but the date for the vote hasn't been set. The House and Senate versions are slightly different, and the Senate version would have to be modified before it went to President Bush for signature.
Chasing video criminals
The article has an interesting quote from Hanan B. Kolko, a New York lawyer. He says, "Federal law enforcement has limited resources. Given the terrorist threats we face, how many FBI agents do we want to devote to chasing down videophone photographers?"
I have written numerous times that the cellular industry had better begin proactively promoting the value of camera phones or else local and Federal governments would begin investigating camera phones and possibly passing legislation. Well, it's happening.
This one of the reasons I'm conducting a 90-minute audiocast about privacy, security and camera phones on June 23. The audiocast will include interesting and very knowledgeable speakers.
The banning of camera phones and legislation against abuses certainly will be among the topics analyzed.
Stay tuned for more information soon.
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