NYC - New Proposal Requires Permits To Use Cameras In Public Places

http://www.nyc.gov/html/film/html/news/080107_proposed_permit_rules.shtml

New York : A new proposed regulation would require permits and proof of insurance (min $1 million dollars) for any group of 2 or more using a camera in a public area (2 people in one location for 30 minutes, or 5+ in one location for more than 10 minutes).

Excerpt from the petition, which expresses my concern better than I can:

The right to photograph in public space is established by the First Amendment, which states that, "Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble." These rights are not the City's possession to take away, or to restrict to the point where such free expression is rendered impossible. The impact on public space of the types of activities you propose to regulate are so minimal that requiring permits is an undue burden towards exercising First Amendment rights. Furthermore, one cannot regulate an art form or activity by negating its very premise. The proposed rules, in refusing to recognize the spontaneity that is at the core of street-based filmmaking and photography, are untenable for that reason alone.

It will only take a moment of your time -- Please act now to fight these proposed regulations, which would place absurd restrictions on your freedom to photograph New York City's public spaces -- affecting not only professional photographers, but First Amendment rights of anyone with a camera.

Link to the petition: http://www.pictureny.org/petition/index.php