Editorial: When freedom to take a photo over-steps the bounds

Wanganui Chronicle 23 June 2018
Family First Comment: Family First argues that children have a right to privacy. “Most parents,” says Family First’s national director Bob McCoskrie, “would find it unacceptable for a total stranger to be taking secret photos of their children.”

At first blush, it seems correct of the Supreme Court to quash the conviction of a man who photographed teen girls in their swimwear at a Nelson beach.

Graham Rowe took pictures of three teenage girls on Kaiteriteri beach and was convicted after a jury trial of doing an indecent act with intent to insult.

However, in the Supreme Court, Rowe argued the photos alone could not amount to an indecent act, nor could taking photos of what may ordinarily be seen in public comprise an offence. The Supreme Court this week quashed the conviction.

We have long held in this country that if you are in a public place then you can legally be photographed.

Much the same as CCTV cameras may capture you in the street, at public parks, businesses and even out in the countryside – you never know who is watching.

Parents regularly upload images to social media of their children doing cute or silly things.
READ MORE: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/crime/news/article.cfm?c_id=30&objectid=12075188

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