Visitors to the White House now can photograph, blog, tweet and otherwise document their trip.
The Obama administration on Wednesday lifted a longstanding ban on pictures, video, and the use of social media during White House tours. The ban on photography has been in place for more than four decades.
First lady Michelle Obama announced the policy change with a video on her Instagram account.
“If you’ve been on a White House tour, you may have seen this sign,” Mrs. Obama said, holding up a sign that reads, “No photos or social media allowed.”
“Well, not anymore,” she adds while ripping apart the sign.
While there is a new sign at the White House saying “Photography is Encouraged,” there remain strict restrictions on what equipment can be taken inside the iconic building.
On photography, the administration says guests can bring “compact still cameras” with a lens no longer than 3 inches.
Video cameras, cameras with detachable lenses, tablets, tripods, monopods, and camera sticks still are prohibited, as is the use of flash photography.
Guests also cannot livestream during their tours, the White House said.
But at White House tours Wednesday, visitors took quick and copious advantage of the new rules.
Korey Richardson of San Jose, California, told the Associated Press that he was on his first White House tour. “I’m taking tons of pictures, at least 30 so far,” he said. “I’ve already uploaded some to Facebook friends.”
Michael Labrecque of Palm Harbor, Florida, posed in the East Room with children Madison and Mason, and told AP he was “very happy they changed the rule.”
• Ben Wolfgang can be reached at bwolfgang@washingtontimes.com.
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