"Policing the Public Gaze" is a thoughtful and excellent filmed interview discussing the fundamental democratic importance of rights to take photographs, and how they are being eroded by "muddled authoritarianism" despite official insistence on the general legality of photography in public places. Take 20 minutes to watch it if you can.

http://www.worldbytes.org/programmes/013/013_004.html

David Heath (Somerton & Frome, Liberal Democrat):

"May we have a debate on what I can only term abuse of section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 by police? It is not satisfactory that people up and down the country are being stopped and told that they cannot take photographs - and if they have taken photographs, they are asked to delete them from their cameras-apparently on the whim of police officers. So far, people have been told that they cannot take a picture of Christ Church in the City, St. Paul's, railway wagons, Christmas lights-and of Mick's Plaice, a fish and chip shop in Chatham! Such photography is not prime terrorist activity.

Police are using anti-terrorism legislation to intervene when members of the public and photographers take shots of innocuous public scenes Helen Brooks reports in the Sunday Times. See "Briefing : No photos please".

"Editorial Photographers UK, a lobbying group, has long been critical of police behaviour towards professional photographers and claims police have set up a database of photographers who take pictures at protests and other events."

Currently being reported on the BBC Radio4, Internet Eyes allows anyone in Europe to sign up free to watch up to 4 UK CCTV cameras, which may belong to police, councils or private companies... and win £1000 each month for the best crime report.

Privacy? Who cares! The site says you can

• Earn reward money
• Have a chance at reducing crime
• Potentially become a hero and save lives
• Simply sign up for FREE, watch and report crime

So here's a tip for paedophiles and terrorists who are fed up dodging s44, PSCO's and nosey

According to the Add new comment  •  Read more

"Photographers are to "Flash-Mob" Canary Wharf - as new campaign for photographer's rights is launched.

A new campaign for photographers' rights launched this weekend - with more
than two hundred leading photographers showing their support for the PhotographerNotaTerrorist.org website by holding up a placard saying "I'm a Photographer, Not a Terrorist!" - will help all photographers to understand
and uphold their legal right to take photographs.

An open invitation from:

Photography is under attack. Across the country anyone with a camera is targeted as a potential terrorist. This campaign is for everyone who values visual imagery and press freedom.

The British Journal of Photography has begun a campaign for photographers' rights called 'Not a Crime'.

"The MPS has published advice for photographers who want to take photographs in the capital.