To all those photojournalists up in arms right now, let me be really clear what I’m concerned with: how do you deal with photographing people without their consent? That’s mostly an ethical question, and it will become more and more important.

For me, the answer: I’m covered by the law is not good enough.

Also: “it’s the news” is also not good enough (in particular since some countries have much more restrictive laws than others).

Alternative phrasing: why should your right to report the news trump a subject’s right not to face negative consequences as a result of your reporting (I’m talking about protesters here, not politicians)?

background read: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/judge-rules-seattle-media-companies-must-hand-over-protest-images-to-police