There is a new EU law that could be in force by next week, and the law bans the posting of photographs on social media sites that contain public images. If the law is passed, users on social media sites that posts photos such as them standing in front of the Eiffel Tower and other landmarks could lead to them being prosecuted.
Apparently the photos themselves are not the issue, but it may be a breach of copyright if the photos are published on social media. The law is aimed at commercial photographers, but some fear that your average tourist could be prosecuted, fined or even put in jail.
Julia Rede, who is a member of the Pirate Party in Germany, said that millions of Europeans could run into conflict with copyright holders if limitations are placed on the freedom to take panorama shots.
The UK, as well as Spain and Germany are currently protected by a freedom of panorama provision in copyright law, which means that modern buildings can be photographed and published without infringing copyright.
If the law does get passed, then people who want to upload photographs would need to get permission from the owner of the copyright.
