Over 150 Filmmakers And Journalists Ask Camera Giants To Sell Encrypted Cameras
At least 150 filmmakers have signaled to Nikon, Canon, and others, that they would be interested in purchasing encrypted cameras.
Among those who have signed the open letter asking for this product, is award-winning documentary film maker Laura Poitras who was responsible for filming Edward Snowden and helping him release his story to the world. Poitras, along with at least 150 other filmmakers, have signed an open letter from the Freedom of the Press Foundation, urging for the introduction of these sorts of cameras into the market.
The letter was written to camera giants like: Canon, Olympus, Sony, Nikon, Kodak, Fuji, and Ricoh.
The Freedom of the Press Foundation also has Edward Snowden, along with Poitras, on its board of directors. They want these companies to add encryption features to every stand alone camera that they offer on the market. They don't want agents of the state to be able to confiscate their footage, just by grabbing the camera out of their hands, they would like a little more protection afforded to them for their sensitive content that they produce.
Many journalists and filmmakers around the world regularly put themselves into harms way, working in some of the most dangerous places on the globe, so that they can uncover injustices and bring the truth to light for the world to see. It's important that these individuals work with the right equipment, and have tools that can help them to do their job more efficiently.
There have been countless occasions when journalists and filmmakers have had their equipment sized and had their content destroyed etc, either by authoritarian governments or by criminals. The content on their cameras currently does not have the capability to be encrypted and so many of them warn that they are putting themselves at risk, and the introduction of cameras that could help them encrypt their material would offer them more security and safety when trying to uncover and share their stories.
Among those who have signed the letter, are at least 4 Academy Award winners and at least 14 nominees.
Pics:
pixabay
sources:
https://www.wired.com/2016/12/200-filmmakers-ask-nikon-canon-sell-encrypted-cameras/
https://www.cnet.com/au/news/filmmakers-and-journalists-to-camera-makers-add-encryption/
http://www.theverge.com/2016/12/14/13952744/freedom-of-the-press-open-letter-canon-nikon-sony-camera-encrypt
I like the idea. I just hope it doesn't make them seize the photographers as well.
Good point.
If that's what it takes, they will!
I think this is a great idea! I'd never thought about it, so thanks for the interesting read.
to ape Twain:
"either by authoritarian governments or by criminals." [but I repeat myself]
LOL good catch! why did i even make the distinction ? haha
...but also provide back-doors for various governments, in case a terrorist wants to film something.
That's crazy, I never would have thought of encrypting my camera as a necessary thing.
An encrypted smartphone is this already. But smartphone cameras are a bit rubbish.
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