No camera phones

last updated 8 January 2015

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.