UK Home Secretary: Photography Rights are a Priority in Reviewing Anti-Terror Laws

UK lawmakers have been in the process of reviewing anti-terrorism Terrorism Act 2000, with particular attention to street photography rights. Section 44, the controversial and broad provision that allowed authorities to stop and search anyone, and to seize property that could be used in connection with terrorism, was suspended last week. Still, there has been a lot of tension due to the similar provisions of Section 43, which still allows stop and search, though with a more limited scope.

However, Home Secretary Theresa May has announced that the review of the anti-terrorism laws will pay close attention to protecting civil liberties.

May said in a statement:

Use of terrorism legislation in relation to photography, detention of terrorist suspects before charge and the use of control orders are among the areas to be reviewed as a priority.

You can read more from the Home Secretary’s statement here.

Final results of the review will be reported this fall, but photographer groups and advocates such as Amateur Photographer and the I’m a Photographer, Not a Terrorist! campaign are noting this as a victory after months of protesting and lobbying.


Image Credit: I’m a photographer not a terrorist! by Adam NFK Smith

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