Selfie-inflicted: India cracks down on dangerous photo fad
Tourists in India face being nabbed by the long arm of the law the next time they try to take a photo of themselves, after authorities rolled out 16 'no selfie' zones across the city of Mumbai.
Fans of the selfie, where smartphone users turn the lense on themselves, will face a fine of US$18 if they put their own lives at risk by snapping a picture near a dangerous location.
According to AP, the unusual health and safety measure comes following a spate of selfie-related deaths in the country.
Since 2014, 19 people in India have reportedly died while trying to take the perfect self portrait.
The no-go selfie areas are said to be around coastal areas and viewpoints which do not have safety railings.
Mumbai declares 16 no-selfie zones across the city after 19 selfie-linked deaths in India since 2014: https://t.co/kVGbK0pHqy
— The Associated Press (@AP) February 25, 2016
No selfie signs are already in place at a number of tourist attractions around the country, including Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, northern India.
READ MORE: Selfish selfies cause animal cruelty, death
Now a global phenomenon, the selfie has spread like wildfire, with political figures and celebrities fueling the craze.
What an honor! Thanks for the #selfie, @BarackObamapic.twitter.com/y5Ww74sEID
— David Ortiz (@davidortiz) April 1, 2014
Look who got a selfie taken by the PM @David Cameron at #CPC14 lovely job! thnx beats orange juice & scrambled eggs. pic.twitter.com/ulw5g0leLj
— Parveen Hassan (@PrettyTory) September 30, 2014
My giant selfie stick worked! What a great idea. I thought of it myselfie. pic.twitter.com/DYuLUTrbL1
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) April 28, 2015
Last year, Russian police issued safety advice to “remind citizens how to behave so that a selfie does not become one’s last”.
The safety guide warned against striking a pose in places which might result in death, like railway lines, rooftops, and near wild animals.
It came as 10 deaths in Russia were linked to the smartphone craze.