American citizens could be innocent until proven suspicious and stripped of their rights under the proposed Terrorist Expatriation Act [pdf], which would amend a 1940s law aimed at traitors who helped the Nazis or Japanese. The bill, introduced by Senator Joe Lieberman yesterday, would authorize the State Department to revoke the citizenship of any U.S. national suspected of providing "material support or resources to a Foreign Terrorist Organization or who engages in or supports hostilities against the United States or its allies." No trial would be necessary, just a signature from the Secretary of State. more ›

Looks like the NYPD should send out that memo again regarding photographers rights. The War on Photography website recently posted this video, which shows an NYPD officer calling in the secret service to detain this man who taking photos on a public sidewalk near the UN. The officer asks if he's ever heard of the Patriot Act, and tells him the sidewalk is federal property. more ›

Just when it looked like The Man was standing up for photographer's rights, or at least understanding the law, things have gone sour again. Carlos Miller reports that 43-year-old professional photographer Randall Thomas "was jailed for six hours—and had his camera and memory card confiscated by a judge—after filming an FBI building from across the street in New York City Monday." more ›

A plump cob roller just flew by our window, and some New York City police officers actually defended a photographer's rights. Carlos Miller reports that recently a witness reported seeing a Japanese tourist toting an SLR getting harassed by a man who told him he was not allowed to take photos in the subway system or in Yankee Stadium (the origin of the report is at SubChat, where it's noted this took place at Rockefeller Center's northbound side). When the tourist stood up for his rights, the man got "slightly physical" and drew the argument out. The tourist found two NYPD officers to ask them the rules, "and was shockingly told that it was legal. In fact, the officers even walked downstairs with him and informed the man that photography was indeed legal." Score one for photographers, seems some in the NYPD actually got the memo! more ›

Say "cheese," NYPD! The NY Post reports that the department is finally schooling officers on photography rights, releasing an order stating, in part, "Photography and the videotaping of public places, buildings and structures are common activities within New York City... and is rarely unlawful." It continues on to clarify that cops have no right to demand photos be destroyed or deleted, or request to view photos taken by an individual. Deputy Commissioner Paul Browne noted that they're attempting to balance their efforts to stop possible terrorist activity while keeping in mind the First Amendment—but will this reminder help people like Arun Wiita? His was just one of the many incidents where the long arm of the law attempted to stop an innocent photographer; most recently an MTA worker was given a summons for not having permits to photograph underground—something that you actually don't need a permit for! While it's a good sign the NYPD is getting a reminder, you still may want to carry around a copy of the photographer's bill of rights with you. more ›

A state law proposed to offer airline passengers trapped aboard grounded planes at New York airports a baseline of humane treatment (e.g. water, air, bathroom facilities) was struck down by the 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals today. The New York Airline Passenger Bill of Rights was enacted after some high-profile incidents that had passengers stuck aboard delayed flights for hours, with overflowing toilets and no food or drink. more ›