The Future Of Photography: Kuwait

Submitted by Syv Ritch on 24. November 2010 - 6:30

Authorities in Kuwait have banned the use of Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras by members of the public.

The ban, which applies to the use of DSLRs on the Gulf state's streets and shopping malls, makes it illegal for anyone except journalists to use the cameras. Smaller 'compact' digital cameras and camera phones are exempt.

The ban has been brought into force by the combined action of the country's Ministry of Information, Ministry of Social Affairs and Ministry of Finance.

News of the ban has been met with bafflement in Kuwait, according to a report in the English-speaking Kuwait Times. And so far, there's been no word from the country's government as to why they've banned the snappers.

Tourists travelling to Kuwait are being warned that the law will also apply to them, and are advised to leave their DSLRs behind.

Thinq.co.uk

This is not too far fetched. Look at the repressive countries like:

  • The UK, where thousands of photographers are detained every month under the “stop and search” and often with beatings and arrests.
  • The US, where you are not allowed to take any photo of federal buildings. My question is how do you which building is a federal building? I took photos of a building in New York that happened to have the FBI as a tenant. I didn't know. What a hassle, but at least I wasn't arrested.
  • Most places with “rent-a-cop” do not allow any photography and enforce it with their fists.

Photography equals criminals and photography equal terrorists! It's becoming dangerous out there. Here's another the country I won't go.

Update: 24-Nov-2010: 7:15AM PST

PDN, the Photo District News has published an article on the encounter between a photographer in Time's Square in New York and a cop. Street Photographer Harassed by Police for Taking Photos in Times Square

Resnick was able to able to quell the situation by showing the officer the images he had shot — even though he was no way legally obligated to do so. In the end, Resnick, who was testing the Leica X1 and D-Lux 5 digital cameras for Adorama

We are talking small picket sized point and shoot cameras. Those aren't large dSLRs!