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Photo: sxc.hu |
The government wants to make it illegal to take photos of people in private situations, for example in showers and fitting rooms.
Many people get surprised when hearing that this is not illegal already, but there is no general ban on taking photos in private locations. The law will also concern people’s homes.
Opponents to the proposal, among them the Swedish Union of Journalists, say it will hinder freedom of expression and make the work of journalists more complicated. One example that has been mentioned in the debate is when a photographer caught one of Prime Minister Reinfeldt’s closest associates Ulrika Schenström with his camera.
Schenström was at a pub drinking alcohol and kissing a reporter from Tv 4 even though she was on call that night and would have been the first responsible person if something serious would have happened that would have required the government’s immediate intention. Critics say these kinds of scoops will not happen if journalists are uncertain whether they are allowed to take a photo on a specific place.
Advocates of the proposed law claim it is important in order to protect integrity on private places.
This issue was discussed already three years ago