Camera cellphones under scrutiny

By KEVIN TAYLOR


Legislation to deter covert filming from devices such as camera cellphones could be introduced next year, Justice Minister Phil Goff says.

Cellphones with cameras are becoming an increasing concern, with notices appearing in places such as swimming pools banning their use.

Mr Goff said the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner were working on possible law changes.

"Now you have got cellphones that can take pictures. Any intrusion into somebody's privacy - into bathing sheds or toilets or whatever - is a serious invasion of privacy," he said.

"I think that there needs to be strong legislative sanctions against that. "But a censorship bill is not a bill in which you deal with that."

Asked if legislation would be tabled next year, Mr Goff said that was possible.

Laws on covert filming were likely to be dealt with through changes to privacy, human rights and criminal legislation.