DHS bans photos of clocks, watches, and other timepieces.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued new guidelines prohibiting photos of clocks, watches, and other timepieces because of concern that these photos will provide aid to terrorist organizations seeking to create clocks that look like bombs. This new regulations prohibits taking, editing, or storing photographs that provide information on timekeeping. Google is reportedly working to remove all photos of clocks and watches from its image database. When asked about other timepieces, DHS Secretary John Irving indicated that photos of sundials and hourglasses are also prohibited since they can be used to conceal explosive devices.

Note added September 26, 2015: This article is based on 14-year old Ahmed Mohamed who was arrested in Irving, Texas for building a clock that his teacher thought was a bomb. For more details see Muslim teen Ahmed Mohamed creates clock, shows teachers, gets arrested.

About Mark Mizen

I have over twenty years professional experience in all aspects of photography and digital imaging. I am Chair of the ISO WG5 TG2 committee responsible for physical properties and durability of imaging material and am currently with HID Global working on systems for security printing for IDs, licenses, and credit cards. Previously, I was Director of Digital Development at Creative Memories from 2009 to 2012 and was responsible for the Creative Memories digital products and services. I also established and directed the Creative Memories Technology Center, which evaluated new products prior to product introduction, assisted with production difficulties, and provided technical information to support product sales.

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3 Responses to DHS bans photos of clocks, watches, and other timepieces.

Liesel nobles says:

September 18, 2015 at 8:06 pm

this is a joke, right?

- Mark Mizen says:
  
  September 18, 2015 at 8:35 pm
  
  Satire.
  
- Mark Mizen says:
  
  September 18, 2015 at 8:35 pm
  
  Satire.