No camera phones
The week's news at a glance.
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia has put out a religious edict banning the use of cell phones with built-in cameras, saying such devices “spread obscenity.” Camera phones have been illegal in the kingdom since March, but those that were already there or have been smuggled in since remain popular. Saudi authorities say the tiny cameras can be used to photograph women without their knowledge, and at least one Saudi wedding has been disrupted by allegations of surreptitious photographing. While the prospect of a hefty fine or a year in jail hasn’t deterred some peeping Toms, the authorities hope the religious injunction will.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to 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.
-
UK-India trade deal: how the social security arrangements will work
The Explainer A National Insurance exemption in the UK-India trade deal is causing concern but should British workers worry?
-
Man arrested after 'suspicious' fires at properties linked to Keir Starmer
Speed Read Prime minister thanks emergency services after fire at his former family home in north London
-
Elon Musk's SpaceX has created a new city in Texas
under the radar Starbase is home to SpaceX's rocket launch site