Uzbekistan Plans to Ban Photographing People Without Their Consent

There’s something important happening in Uzbekistan that could change how you take photos. Uzbekistan is reportedly about to introduce a new law that plans to ban photographing people. Your candid street photography might be coming to an end.

On October 7th, the Uzbek parliament already voted for this new law, and now it goes to the Senate. While some may see this as a mere formality in this region, many experts are paying close attention. If the law passes, you could face serious issues just for snapping a quick photo without permission. It’s enough to give any photographer second thoughts before they book their tickets.

The Technical Reality of Uzbekistan’s New Photography Rules

What is this new law all about? If the law passes, you must get either verbal or written permission from anyone you photograph or film. For taking a quick picture of a smiling vendor at the Samarkand bazaar, you’ll need to pause, ask for their consent, and maybe even get it in writing.

If you skip this step, you could face serious consequences. The fines could reach up to $1,364. Authorities might even take away your camera gear. Just imagine losing your beloved DSLR or mirrorless camera because you didn’t get the okay from a stranger. That’s a scary thought for any photographer. It’s obvious that the lawmakers in Uzbekistan are serious about protecting people’s privacy.

The lawmakers assert that their goal is to safeguard individuals’ privacy, especially focusing on children. There’s a specific rule that requires parents or legal guardians to give permission if you want to take pictures of anyone under 16. That part makes sense. It’s important to keep children safe.

Is This Really About Privacy, or Something Else?

While aiming to protect children is a commendable objective, some people are questioning the real reason behind Uzbekistan’s plan to ban photographing people. Many observers are pointing to several scandals involving corrupt police and government officials who have been caught on video by citizens. It seems this law might be about limiting certain types of oversight.

Interestingly, a draft of this law was first introduced back in 2020, and it originally focused only on banning the release of unauthorized images. However, the version passed by parliament has tightened the rules. Now, it reportedly includes regulations on how images are “captured and stored.” This means that just having a photo saved on your memory card could be considered an offense. This change shifts the focus from what you can publish to what you can take a picture of in the first place.

The Big Question: What Happens to Street Photographers?

Things are starting to get complicated and, honestly, a bit silly. Anzor Bukharsky, a talented photographer from Uzbekistan who organizes photo trips, shared with RFE/RL that there’s a lot of confusion about how this law will be enforced.

One big question that must be troubling street photographers is: How does this law apply to crowds? What about people who just happen to appear in the background of a beautiful photo of the Registan? Are you really expected to chase down every person to get their permission? Clearly, that’s not practical, and it just doesn’t make sense.

Bukharsky raises an interesting point: “Can someone claim that it’s really them in a photograph if they’re wearing a gas mask or dressed as Santa Claus?” This shows how unrealistic the law is, especially when it comes to capturing everyday life and the unpredictability of street photography. Many worry this law could be a way for authorities to stifle independent journalists and activists. Bukharsky emphasizes the importance of ensuring that this new law doesn’t become “a means of manipulation or control against ‘unreliable’ bloggers and media.” It’s clear we need to handle this situation very carefully.

[Related Reading: Egypt criminalises photos and videos that are offensive to the country]

The Tourist Conundrum and the Power of ‘Optional Enforcement’

Uzbekistan has been doing a great job attracting millions of tourists with its amazing Silk Road architecture. Bukharsky notes that the crowd is changing; younger tourists are becoming more adventurous and are fascinated by the “exoticism of the East.” They enjoy capturing images of daily life, traditional costumes, narrow streets, and lively markets.

This new ban could change the culture of local people being willing to be photographed, especially in popular tourist spots. You’ll have to wait and see whether this law discourages travelers who love documenting their journeys.

I believe the real question will be how strictly they enforce this law. The country aims to grow its tourism sector, and cracking down on visitors with cameras seems counterintuitive to that goal.

Local police and officials might ignore, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Although there is concern about the law, the actual enforcement might not be as harsh as it seems. Still, it’s wise not to rely on leniency when you have expensive gear. For now, you should be extra polite and ready to ask for permission for every photo. Make sure to get verbal consent, and perhaps learn a few basic phrases in Uzbek to help.

Is Street Photography Dead in Uzbekistan?

Personally, I think if there was a real concern for privacy, they would create laws that fit today’s busy world. To me, it seems like a clear case of going too far. It feels like a way to create a legal tool to silence those who speak up, like independent journalists, activists, and bloggers who use their cameras to challenge those in power.

The thought that strict legal restrictions could now accompany a beautiful place like Uzbekistan, a land full of historical and architectural wonders, really saddens me. It would completely change how you document your travels. You’d have to focus only on landscapes and architecture, which would be a big loss for both the country and the art of photography.

[via PetaPixel; Image Credits: Envato]

---