Mumbai imposes 'no selfie' zones after fatal accidents
India has highest rate of deaths linked to people taking self-portraits, with tourist spots a particular hazard
 
Police in Mumbai have banned people from taking pictures of themselves in parts of the city deemed to be dangerous after an alarming number of selfie-related deaths.
Sixteen "no selfie" zones face are now in action across the Indian city and anyone found taking a self-portrait in them will be slapped with a fine of 1,200 rupees (about £12.50), the Associated Press reports.
The areas identified as being potentially dangerous include parts of the coastline without barriers or railings and popular tourist attractions, such as the Marine Drive promenade.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
 
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
However, it does not look as if the ban is having an effect. "Despite clearly marked signs demarking the selfie-free zones, people can still be seen clicking away, and often going to the edges or standing on ledges to get the most thrilling shots," says AP.
India is home to the most number of people who have died taking selfies, according to a study by the data service provider Priceonomics.
"The stories are bountiful, and tragic and often involve large groups of teenagers," the company says.
Earlier this month, an 18-year old student drowned after falling off a rock near a dam in the city of Nashik during a class picnic, while in January, another teenager drowned at the popular Bandstand Fort.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Despite the fact that men take significantly fewer pictures of themselves than women, they make up 73 per cent of all selfie-related deaths.
- 
 The week’s best photos The week’s best photosIn Pictures A monstrous parade, a hungry tortoise, and more 
- 
 The Week Unwrapped: Should we be eating less fat – or more? The Week Unwrapped: Should we be eating less fat – or more?Podcast Plus who will benefit from the surprise Dutch election result? And how can art improve our health? 
- 
 AI models may be developing a ‘survival drive’ AI models may be developing a ‘survival drive’Under the radar Chatbots are refusing to shut down 
- 
 Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime minister Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party 
- 
 Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training 
- 
 Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users 
- 
 China is silently expanding its influence in American cities China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted 
- 
 How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctionsThe Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish 
- 
 One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again? One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024 
- 
 What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over? What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come 
- 
 Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designation Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designationThe Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago