Ask500

I don't think it's all that simplistic. Look at prop 19 that California is trying to pass. It's basically just as vague. The idea would be that each community could choose how they felt on this law instead of there being an outright ban. As far as what type of files would be allowed . . . this would be kind of irrelevant. Whether it's a photo or a movie, the intellectual property rights are the same. Not sure why this would need to be done on a federal level. I actually think it would have a greater chance of success at the state level where the people could put it on a ballot for a vote vs. waiting for an elected represented to turn down all the cash that the entertainment industry hands out.

That probably would have made an even better question. I think part of the problem to get at is the balance between our right to photograph whatever we want vs. a respect for people's privacy and control over their image.

Yes, but the definition of public has been expanded by technology. 20 years ago it was rare for someone to carry a camera on them, today it's commonplace. Also you have public satellite images that allow others to peer into your own backyard.