Asda:Taking photographs of products breaks trading standards?

Esqui

I don't see the point in stopping people photographing stuff in-store. There's nothing price/offer-related they couldn't find out on the website, and it's only going to give them a bad experience to chuck them out for taking a photo.

The only ones I keep an eye on are those photographing laptop security locks.

Zazen999

I take photos in shops all the time; mainly of flowers or plants that we either don't know the name of [and I take a photo of the plant with the label for my own records] or because I think my OH might like it so we go and research it before buying. I've not once been stopped. Or of gadgets or general stuff for the same reason, I like to do my research.

Perhaps I look scarey?

robchap_2

it is simple to get your own back go in the store fill up a trolly or 2 with shopping lots of little bits
then go to the till start putting it on the belt and take pics of it all make sure they notice you doing this
when they say delete the pic or we want you to leave so ok fine bye
walk out the store and leave them to put all the stuff back

Valli

There is a world of difference between 'illegal' and 'policy'. So if they don't want you to take a photo there should be a displayed policy. Along the lines of 'Customers photographing items in the store will be asked to leave' or 'Customers are advised that the taking of photographs within the store is not permitted'. But there is no LAW against it.
Much the same as theatres don't allow photography. But it isn't illegal. Taking photos of kids isn't illegal, either, if they are in a public place...winds people up though. Big time.
When I accompanied my friend to try on wedding dresses we took photos, having been given permission. And she bought from one of the two shops we visited but left her dress there, for storage/alterations so it's been handy for her, having a snap, when thinking about hairstyle and head dress.

I would echo the advice of a previous poster and ask them to tell you which law has been broken. And if they fall on the much-abused Data Protection Act ask which section. Because there isn't one.

maninthestreet

Valli is correct here - no laws were broken, but Asda are quite entitled to have a policy in place that prevents photography in their stores if they so wish.

biscit

moonklash wrote: »

Has anyone else experienced this? Is this illegal? Even if it was against the rules then surely there should be a sign up, and surely this is a bit of a knee-jerk reaction?

It's not illegal to take photogrpahs. It is illegal to ask someone to delete photographs they have already taken.

It is legal to forbid the taking of photographs, and yes you are right that if the store wants to impose such a rule they should have a sign up to "withdraw permission". Equally staff can verbally withdraw permission, by politely asking you not to take any more photos.

They can't make this work retroactively.

maninthestreet wrote: »

Valli is correct here - no laws were broken, but Asda are quite entitled to have a policy in place that prevents photography in their stores if they so wish.

Spot on, completely correct. I would question whether they do have such a policy given all the staff there claimed it was "illegal". It sounds like they are acting on rumour and hearsay.

pendulum

biscit wrote: »

It is illegal to ask someone to delete photographs they have already taken.

Of course its not illegal to ask someone to delete a photo they've taken. That's as stupid as thinking its illegal to take the photo in the supermarket in the first place.

pulliptears

photographers rights:

Property owners have no right to stop people taking photos of their buildings, so long as the photographer is standing in a public place (e.g. the road outside).

However, if you're standing on private property and the landowner/occupier objects, then they have every right to request that you stop immediately and ask you to leave if you refuse.

deleting images

your photos are your work, and you're entitled to protect them.

Security guards do not have stop and search powers or the right to seize your equipment or delete images or confiscate film under any circumstances.

In some circumstances, the police may grab your film or memory cards but they are still not authorised to delete any images.

After all, if you've committed an offence the images would act as evidence, and if you haven't broken the law, the images are innocent.

All from here:
http://www.urban75.org/photos/photographers-rights-streets-buildings.html

deedee71

I do some mystery shopping and there has been an ongoing assignment all year where you have to take photographs of everything in a certain aisle. Some shops you tell, but others you are do to it in secret. Absolute nightmare, and I gave up after a few months. Just don't have the brass neck for it! Being accosted by security is no fun lol.

biscit

pulliptears wrote: »

photographers rights:


deleting images



All from here:
http://www.urban75.org/photos/photographers-rights-streets-buildings.html

Thanks, pretty much what I said.