Picture-taking ban for New York subways

NEW YORK, May 21 (UPI) -- Civil liberties groups say New York's Transit Authority has gone too far by seeking to ban photography and filming inside the city's subway system.

The TA has proposed rules that would make it illegal to photograph, videotape or film the subway for security reasons.

The only exceptions would be news photographers with police press credentials and movie companies that obtain prior written approval. Tourists taking snapshots in the subway could face a ticket and possible fine.

"It's excessive, it's unenforceable, particularly with cell phone and pocket-sized digital cameras," Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union told New York Newsday.

Transit Authority officials say the rule is an effort to improve security for riders and rapid transit employees.