Saudi Gazette report
TECHNOLOGICAL advancements have allowed people to take up hobbies with great ease and accessibility and an increasingly popular hobby is photography. With cameras embedded in gadgets including cell phones, laptops and tablet PCs, people are taking more photographs than ever before. However, photography is a controversial issue in a country where people greatly value their privacy. Some people in the Kingdom view taking pictures in public as a tolerable phenomenon while others view it as a breach of privacy, Al-Riyadh daily reports.
Five regulations on taking photographs in public places, ministries, government locations and tourist areas were issued based on recommendations by the concerned authorities. These regulations allow for photographs to be taken anywhere with the exception of sensitive installations where “No Photography” signs are clearly visible. It is the responsibility of every establishment, association or organization whether it is military, civilian or industrial to take measures regarding photographs taken in its domain. Moreover, each organization is responsible for taking sensible measures when these regulations are violated.
Industries and organizations are responsible for putting up “No Photography” signs where appropriate and ensuring that these signs are visible, written in both English and Arabic and illustrated. Penal measures should never result in confiscation of devices, pictures or videos but workshops, lectures and informed security officers should be available to raise awareness on the dangers and consequences of breaching others’ privacy. If one violates the regulations with no ill intent, then a simple warning should suffice.
Majidah Altamimi said taking photos and capturing videos of other people in public places is a breach of personal privacy. “Many take pictures of their friends in public but do not consider the people that appear in the background. That, in itself, is an act of inconsideration, especially if the photos were then posted on social media. Public photography is an art with its own stream of experts. Regulations and strict procedures under the law of privacy of information must be applied to amateurs who take photographs at whim. Awareness must be raised regarding this issue and this will require the participation and cooperation of parents, teachers, schools and national security bodies,” she said.
Mariam Alenizi emphasized the importance of preventing privacy violations and making sure that people who violate regulations are punished. “They must realize that their act was a socially negative one. It is quite unfortunate and embarrassing to have so many people who take photos of others and post them on their social media accounts,” she said.
Reema Alangari said taking pictures in public increases the chances of fights breaking out especially if women and children are being photographed. She said there must be increased awareness on respecting people’s right to privacy and called on photographers to use common sense when taking pictures in public.
Abdulsalam Alamer, head of Hail special education, said people have a right to carry cell phones but they should be considerate before using their cell phone cameras to photograph or record someone.
“People fear going out in public and having their pictures taken without their consent and posted on social media. We have all laughed at and seen some very embarrassing footage of people, this is not only a breach of privacy but also one that damages the Kingdom’s reputation. People post pictures on social media for attention and to see the number of followers and likers that increased. Our role here is to spread awareness regarding the ramifications of such benign acts and teach people how to use social media correctly. This will take years to achieve but if we stick to our goals, we will be able to achieve a truly respectable society,” he said.
