White House lifts 40-year-old ban on cameras during public tours

 The White House lifted a 40-year-old ban on taking photos during public tours of the executive mansion on Wednesday and invited visitors to share their shots on Twitter using #WhiteHouseTour.

White House lifts 40-year-old ban on cameras during public tours

Washington: The White House lifted a 40-year-old ban on taking photos during public tours of the executive mansion on Wednesday and invited visitors to share their shots on Twitter using #WhiteHouseTour.

First lady Michelle Obama announced the change in a video on Instagram.

"If you`ve been on a White House tour, you may have seen this sign," she said, holding up a sign reading "No Photos or Social Media allowed." "Well, not any more," Obama said as she tore up the sign, laughing.

The White House did not give a reason for the policy change but said some cameras and accessories such as so-called selfie sticks would still be prohibited.

Video cameras, cameras with detachable lenses, tablets, tripods, monopods will also remain banned. Phone cameras and compact still cameras with a lens no longer than 3 inches (7.6 cm) will be allowed, the White House said. 

A relaxation of the camera rule coincided with a new security measure surrounding the executive mansion on Wednesday: a spiked top fence to thwart would-be intruders.

Sharp metal points will be bolted on top of the black iron fence as a temporary measure until authorities put up a more permanent structure next year. The changes were sparked by security breaches at the White House, including a September intrusion when a man scaled the fence and ran into the mansion.

Zee News App: Read latest news of India and world, bollywood news, business updates, cricket scores, etc. Download the Zee news app now to keep up with daily breaking news and live news event coverage.