Attorneys-General Discussion Paper on Internet Photography

[thaddeus]

State and territory Attorneys-General are working together to develop reform options to address the issue of unauthorised publication of photographs being made available on websites, including ancillary privacy issues.

A working party has produced a Discussion Paper which seeks to:

* Identify the issues, including privacy issues, associated with unauthorised publication of photographs on the Internet;
* Discuss the adequacy of existing State and Territory laws in their application to these issues; and
* Identify legislative and non-legislative options to address these issues

The discussion paper is here

I recommend that if people are worried about these issues, they read and respond to the discussion paper.

Discussion questions raised in the report:
* Should the taking of unauthorised images of childen be restricted?
* Should the use or publication of unauthorised photographs/images taken in public places be regulated?
* Sould consent be required for photographs used for particular purposes?
* What are the features of any proposed offence?
* Should there be some enforceable civil right in relation to the use of your image?

[Sheetshooter]

Thanks very much for the heads-up on that Thaddeus.

Cheers,

[kipper]

Oh god, this is getting all too much!

Next I'll be told that I can't take lenses 300MM and over to Werribee Treatment Plant. Sort of like the T&C you get for the GP

[Glen]

Thaddeus, thank you

[gleff]

This is very interesting.. At least they're asking for discussion instead of just passing stupid laws on a whim. As budding photographers, I reckon we should all submit a response to them. The more the merrier.

I'll have a read in more detail tonight, but I'll likely respond.

Geoff

[leek]

This subject was discussed in this thread a few weeks ago when it was originally sensationalised in the press...

I've read the whole discussion paper and it's quite interesting...

It presents a very thorough overview of the current Australian law and also what measures have been taken overseas to combat similar problems...

When it was originally brought up, we discussed coordinating a response, but I think it's probably better if we all submit individual responses... It might show them that there is a level of interest in what they are doing.

I just hope they don't go down the Dutch route...

[Glen]

Geoff, I think it would be worth using the collective influence of our members to have a strong message. I will read this later and it may be worth all who do to state their areas of concern in a central thread. Then members can formulate their personal position and write with regards to the areas which most concern them.

[rjlhughes]

And here is today's piece from the Herald


http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/n ... 10946.html


oops I see Glen has posted this as a new thread.

[Killakoala]

As a law-abiding citizen of a recognised free country i feel morally obliged to vent my opinion upon the perpertrators of this discussion paper and to that end i will most definately be submitting my views to the committee.

[rjlhughes]

Steve,

I'd be interested in what you'd say to them. Care to share your thoughts with us first?

[Killakoala]

Once i have written something , i will share my thoughts on this forum. We still have until Oct 14 to submit our papers so i will do some more research prior to that date. I only read about this today. Being in the middle of the Indian Ocean is not condusive to being 'in the loop.'

However i will let them know that i am not in favour of the proposed NEW laws or amendments as i believe that the current laws already cover the offences they are suggesting at. The internet, although a new technology, is no different to a book, leaflet, magazine, newspaper or other periodical or medium for publishing and the current laws of privacy or indecency cover those avenues quite clearly.

I think i am becoming an moderate extremist. (Is that an oxymoron?)

[rjlhughes]

I doubt that I would make a submission, so good luck. The document is on my reading list.

No doubt, when I've digested it, I'll share my views!

[rjlhughes]

I'd really encourage everyone here to take the time to read and consider this document.

It's beautifully researched and IMHO quite balanced.

There are a lot of interesting aspects of both the right to privacy and the right to free expression raised.

And its tone is quite practical. But how does the law keep up with changing technology. Can it, even?

Just the thing Killakoala to keep you thinking for those long quiet nights at sea.