Kuwait bans use of DSLR cameras

23 November 2010 11:38 GMT / By Rik Henderson

Three ministries in Kuwait have banned the public use of Digital Single Lens Reflex cameras (DSLRs), on the streets and in malls, for anyone who isn't a journalist.

Kuwait's Ministry of Information, Ministry of Social Affairs and Ministry of Finance have joined forces to bring about the ban, although smaller digital cameras and camera phones are exempt.

There's little or no word from the Kuwaiti government on why it has taken such drastic action, and the Kuwait Times says that the move has baffled the Kuwaiti youth and local artists. Many wonder what to do with their expensive cameras now that they can't use them in public, and are bemused as to why such laws have been implemented.

Tourists will also be affected, and must be aware of the law if they travel to Kuwait.

Pocket-lint is currently unsure as to whether major camera manufacturers will withdraw from the Kuwaiti market.

Incidentally, the picture used to illustrate this piece is a shot of Kuwait City taken by hamad M back in 2007 using a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi. To take a similar picture now is illegal.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below...

Via: thenextweb.com Via: kuwaittimes.net

Full tags

Cameras, DSLR cameras, Kuwait, Censorship