March 21, 2003
Restrictions on picture messaging ruled in Italy
According to an article in Global Wireless News, reported by Howard Rheingold on Smart Mobs, following mobile operator Hutchison's launch of 3rd generation phone services in Italy, the country's Data Protection Commission has stunned the industry by publishing strict rules governing the use of picture messaging and video cell phones.
According to the report, 3G phone users can "only record images of people for personal use--with these pictures then being kept in a secure place, while anyone captured on "film" must be informed if their images are to be displayed on the Internet".
The report also states that "the transmission of pornographic pictures is strictly forbidden". A ruling surely to upset mobile companies developping pornographic content, a means to potentially recoup the billions spent on third generation licences.
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