Well over 200 photographers converged on the headquarters of the London Metropolitan Police this morning. Urged by the National Union of Journalists to protest that a new law - Section 76 of the Counter Terrorism Act - which comes into force today and threatens the freedom of photographers to photograph police officers, intelligence operatives, and military officers.
Although the law is not specific to photography, taking pictures of officers working against terrorism, is easily covered by the law. Sanctions range from a fine to a prison sentence that could be as long as ten years.
A photographer would have to be linked to terrorism for the law to be applied, in theory. But there is concern among many photographers that a minority of misguided police could use the law to harass both professional and amateur photographers. There is a steady stream of reports of photographers being abused by police officers already, so the introduction of a new law that could inadvertently threaten law-abiding photographers is of concern.
There was no problem with the photographers and the police this morning. The scrum outside Scotland Yard was good natured and rather informal.
There was a unique mix of professional photographers, keen amateurs, as well as ordinary members of the public, including children enjoying half term this week, who simply use a camera for holidays and family events.
You can see more photo from the event this morning on the DPNow gallery.
