Hold It Right There, and Drop That Camera

An interesting article in the Times about the new camera cell phones, and the ways in which cities are trying to deal with the privacy implications of them. Hold It Right There, and Drop That Camera

Seems to me that the best solution is one that's already being implemented overseas - require that the phones emit a loud, distinctive tone whenever a photograph is taken, whether the phone is in silent mode or not. Perhaps some sort of industry standard could be developed that would be immediately recognizable... but even a loud, generic "BEEP!" would probably draw enough attention to the photographer to make the activity too risky.

That's a much more workable answer than trying to ban cell phone use in restrooms, locker rooms and shower rooms.

(Although, for the life of me, I've never understood people who take calls in the men's room. Yuck! What are they thinking? Or, even worse than taking calls, some actually place them! "Hi, honey! I'm on the can right now in Sears, and I just thought I'd call to see what's for supper." *shaking head* I don't get it. It's just plain creepy.)