As legitimate as before

Lord Carlile’s annual review of anti-terrorism legislation contained good news for harrassed photographers:

[Lord Carlile said...] It should be emphasised that photography of the police by the media or amateurs remains as legitimate as before, unless the photograph is likely to be of use to a terrorist. This is a high bar.

It is inexcusable for police officers ever to use this provision to interfere with the rights of individuals to take photographs.

The police must adjust to the undoubted fact that the scrutiny of them by members of the public is at least proportional to any increase in police powers – given the ubiquity of photograph and video-enabled mobile phones.
[Emphasis added]

That last paragraph is particularly welcome. To put it another way: “With great power there must also come – great responsibility.”

[Via Memex 1.1]