Some bans and censures around the world that were welcome

The Maharashtra beef ban, Nirbhaya documentary, Fifty Shades of Grey... the past week has seen many bans. However, there were some bans and censures around the world that were welcome:

Selfie Sticks




Paris museums are banning the extendable rods used by tourists to take photographs to avoid accidental damage. The authorities are concerned that the gadgets being waved around may hit monuments and pieces of art that tourists use as a backdrop for souvenir shots.

Halal Slaughter


Denmark has introduced a ban on the religious slaughter of animals for the production of halal and kosher meat, saying "animal rights come before religion". According to European norms, animals must be stunned before they are slaughtered, but exemptions are granted on religious grounds.

Tobacco Advertising




Britain has banned branding on cigarette packs. The move is aimed at improving public health and cutting the number of child smokers. The Delhi government too has asked tobacco companies to remove advertising boards. The companies have been warned against free distribution of boards or counters having tobacco ads to vendors.

Kazam Commercial


Mobile handset company Kazam's television advertisement has been banned in the UK on the grounds that it objectified women. Created by Ogilvy & Mather, the commercial created for the world's slimmest phone — Tornado 348 — featured a woman in only her underwear, including scenes that featured several close-up shots that lingered over her breasts, buttocks and lips.

Intimate Content


In a bid to step up online safety, Twitter has explicitly banned "intimate photos or videos that were taken or distributed without the subject's consent". Last month Reddit announced a similar ban, after it was criticized for the hacked nude pictures of Hollywood stars.

Ivory Imports




The world's largest importer of smuggled tusks, China has imposed a one-year ban on ivory carving imports amidst severe criticism that the huge appetite for ivory in the country fuelled poaching and threatened the existence of African elephants.

SOURCE : NEWS REPORTS