Kuwait's ban on DSLRs was a hoax
The photography press around the world, BJP included, fell for it. Last week, Kuwait Times revealed that three Kuwaiti ministries had banned the use of digital SLRs in public places. The information, it turns out, was false
Author: Olivier Laurent
23 Nov 2010 Tags: KuwaitStreet rights
Embarrassing it is - both for the Kuwait Times newspaper and the many photography magazines around the world, BJP included, that relayed the information. Last week, the newspaper published an article claiming that the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information, Ministry of Social Affairs and Ministry of Finance had banned the use of digital SLRs in public places such as streets and shopping malls.
According to the newspaper, the ban would have affected all amateur photographers, as well as most professional photographers - unless they used their DSLRs for journalism purposes.
However, in an unexpected reversal, Kuwait Times has published an erratum. "On Saturday, November 20, 2010 the Kuwait Times published an article titled 'Multi ministry camera ban frustrates artists' in which incorrect information was provided," the statement reads. "The newspaper regrets failing to verify the information. The article wrongly stated that a ban on DSLR cameras was implemented by the Ministries of Information, Social Affairs and Finance. This information is false."
It adds: "In a follow up investigation, it was proved that no such ban has been issued. We regret this error and deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused."
Original article published on 23 November 2010:
Three Kuwaiti ministries have banned the use of digital SLRs in public places for purposes other than journalism, Kuwait Times reports.
The Kuwaiti Ministry of Information, Ministry of Social Affairs and Ministry of Finance have banned the use of digital SLRs in public places such as streets and shopping malls, according to Kuwait Times, and as reported by Amateur Photographer magazine.
The ban, which comes after the Kuwaiti government introduces new stringent rules on communication, will affect all amateur photographers, as well as most professional photographers - unless they use their DSLRs for journalism purposes, says Kuwait Times.
Point-and-shoot cameras as well as camera phones can still be used, says the government.
Comments
Has any specification been given to the police on how to determine if it is a DSLR or not. Are film SLRs still permitted, What about the top line of bridge or crossover cameras that look like DSLRs? I would not want to argue with one of those chappies about the status of my camera if his aim is to get it out of my hands and into his. Legal theft.
A point and shoot in the hands of a pro is just as potent, if that is what they are worried about. Better not educate the ignorant. .Times are changing but technology is moving faster, the days of the large cameras are slowly coming to an end.
Hahah..That is one funny bill passed. I guess some ruler might have failed to get a clear image in DSLR. Or he thinks DSLR is the finest word of photography.
Is this a sure sign they've been taking on UK security "advisers"? It all points to some of our less bright ex Met/CoL officers, or perhaps the former private security jobsworths who are usually at the root of all woes in London.
You know we're near the bottom when you're merely slightly surprised that a repressive Middle-East regime has pipped us to the post.
When working in Dubai 1978 setting up one of the first Car rental Companies and being asked by Gulf Air and Hilton Hotels because we had coaches to take Tourists around the Emirates I went afterwards to the Gov. Ministry to say they should set up Ministry of Tourism. Reply we don't need them we have Oil. Sharjah police tested Radar speed guns in the dark it stopped after Policemen got run over. Abu Dhabi Ruler told me I could not set up a Motor Racing as he did not want young locals killing themselves now it's the last race in F1 calendar. In the 1st Gulf war they tried to stop people putting up Sat. Dishes for CNN plus. Iraq was letting TV crews broadcast live from Baghdad. My Indian Accountant was not allowed to register a 750cc motorbike because it was bigger than the Police Bikes. and many more but Man u is on TV, Football being the new UK religion Got 2 go
We should Have left it to Sadam....
I don't want to bloody go there anyway.......
What a ridiculous law!
Has anybody considered asking the relevant authorities in Kuwait, why they have banned Dslrs
And is the ban on using them, or owning them, possessing them etc.
There's a lot to be said for due diligence. And reading the article before you comment on it, or so it seems!
The news about the DSLR photography ban in Kuwait turned out to be incorrect.
Kuwait Times retracted the news:
http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MzAwMTg4ODg1
It would be nice of you if you can write an update accordingly.
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