Clamp Down on Indecent Cameraphone Usage
A new law is being introduced in Australia to clamp down on photographing up women's dresses, known as "upskirting". Victorian Attorney-General Rob Hulls says that the emergence of camera phones and smaller digital cameras had lead to a surge in this activity. He said the practice is illegal under existing stalking and indecent behaviour laws, but creating a specific offence for "upskirting" is justified.
"Following consideration of this serious issue by the Standing Committee of Attorneys-General, there is widespread support for ensuring this abhorrent behaviour is specifically outlawed," Mr Hulls said, "This kind of behaviour is offensive and disturbing, and new legislation is needed to clamp down on offenders."
The new offense will not just cover the act of taking the photo, but also distributing any photos taken via email or MMS.
"Let's be clear about this, no one is talking about banning all photos at the beach. These laws will be practical and won't be aimed at unnecessarily restricting the taking or distributing of photos.", he said - adding that "however, these laws will make clear that taking unauthorised intimate photos of other people is prohibited and will not be tolerated." "
Posted to the site on 28th May 2007
