Something to Think about if you go overseas

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

http://www.imaginginfo.com/web/online/News/Google-Street-View-Controversy--Is-Street-Photography-Legal/3$4994
Looks like they want to protect their "celebrities" from the pap's in Britain, but this should be a good reminder that you may not have the same "rights" as a photographer to snap a photo in other countries as you have in the good ol USA.

DEMDeepEllumMusic added 3 Minutes and 40 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

not sure why the link won't go hot, so just pastee it into your browser.

[kenw]

Very true, and also be aware that once accused your rights may be very different as well. Innocent until proven guilty is not a universal truism.....

Had several run-ins with self-annointed photo-nazis in Singapore. The official rules are (or were at the time) pretty clear and not too burdensome, but a few of the train /MRT attendants (renta-cops?) seemed to be wearing their caps too tight. The Napolean complex was alive and thriving there at the time.

At the time I merely ignored them and moved on. .....I'm sure less "advanced" civilizations could be worse.

Taiwan seemed to be ok, but was only there a couple of times and shot very infrequently. No issues but I was mostly in urban areas shooting the stereotypical "city-scenes" and was obviously taking touristy shots anyway. Hong Kong was absolutely spooky, but again that may have partly been due to my unfamiliarity and the presence of armed guards everywhere. everywhere.... Sabre-rattling by China (before the Brits sold it out) had everything a bit edgy at the time. All of my Far East travels were pre-911 so I'm sure things have changed a bit since then.

Never had any issues in Japan in the least. A couple of times in Germany and Scotland found no issues either. But I always found it wise to look for signs or other clues as to potential areas of sensitivity.

Like it being surrounded by barbed wire.....or being a "Police Station" complete with sign....or a pictogram of a camera with a circle and slash over it..... good clues.