Selfie has become a common gesture among tourists, often captured spontaneously during visits to public places. Whether as a personal record or to share on social networks, photographing has become a usual part of the travel experience.
However, there are destinations where this seemingly harmless gesture can have legal and financial implications for those who practice it without knowing local rules. Euronews recently highlighted this phenomenon, drawing attention to the fines that some cities impose on tourists who unknowingly infringes regulations by taking selfies in public places.
Taking photographs without consent can result in high fines and even prison sentence
In Dubai, the limits are not just clear, they are particularly severe. Photographing people without your direct consent is a criminal offense that can cost up to 130 thousand euros. Local legislation leaves no room for doubt: whether it is in a shopping center, on the street, a luxury hotel or in a traditional market, capturing the image of someone without explicit permission is prohibited.
The penal frame provides fines between 150,000 and 500,000 dirhams (approximately 37,000 and 130,000 euros) and may even lead to prison. In addition, there are zones where any type of photography is strictly banned, such as government buildings, military facilities and some palaces. Infringement of these rules, even accidental, may involve arrests and lawsuits, a scenario that has involved several tourists over the last few years. as reported by The New Arab.
The “Ley Mordaza” covers police images
In Spain, the so -called “Ley Mordaza” remains in force and includes restrictions on the dissemination of security forces images. Photographing and sharing police images, especially in contexts such as protests or airports, can be understood as a threat to their integrity. In these cases, fines can reach 30,000 euros, even if it is a temporary publication, as a story on social networks.
Kyoto imposes restrictions on protecting tourist harassment geishes
Japan imposed cultural background restrictions, namely in the Gion neighborhood of Kyoto. After several episodes of gender harassment by tourists, signs were placed to ban photographs on private streets. Infringement can cost about 70 euros, although the captured image has no offensive content.
Portofino wants to avoid agglomerations, even in selfies
In Italy, the picturesque village of PortoFino implemented “no waiting” zones to control pasta tourism. In these areas, stopping, even briefly to take a selfie, can result in a 275 eurous fine. The measure aims to avoid agglomerations at critical points of the locality, having been one of the situations highlighted by Euronews as an example of “repression unusual for tourist behavior.”
In South Korea, the “right to the face” is protected by law
Among the countries with restricted legislation, we highlight South Korea, where the so-called “right to the face” is in force. This standard ensures that no one can be photographed without express permission, even in public spaces. Its violation may give rise to legal proceedings and, in more severe cases, result in prison sentence. Additionally, the use of selfie sticks is subject to mandatory certification, and the non -approved models are prohibited.
Privacy, security and heritage between the reasons for restrictions
Although taking selfies in itself does not constitute an infringement, the legislation of various countries imposes strict limits, especially when issues of privacy, public security or respect for cultural norms are at stake.
Social networks make sanctions more likely
The globalization of tourism and the ease of sharing images have made these practices more scrutinized. In certain contexts, simply capturing an image can be understood as invasive or improper, leading to unexpected legal sanctions for visitors.
A selfie is worth tastes, but it can also spoil the holidays
The reality is clear: a selfie can yield thousands of tastes or cost thousands of euros. As a note, measures such as these have been multiplying, showing that the mobile phone, when poorly used, can turn a moment of leisure into a legal setback with impact on vacation.
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