Usually when one of our elected officials is proposing a law to regulate the use of technology, I start foaming at the mouth. However, for the first time in a long time, I actually think that a proposed tech-regulation law isn’t bad at all.
Representative Peter King, a Republican from New York thinks that silent cellphone cameras should be illegal and I think he actually has a point.
I’ve seen some creepy people do some sketchy things in classrooms, on trains, and in other public places with cellphone cameras. Silent cellphone cameras allow privacy invading weasels to take pictures without their anyone knowing.
At least if the camera makes noise, people will see the person taking the picture.
The big problem with this is that it isn’t enforceable. For one thing, there are so many silent camera phones out there. A new law would only ensure that future camera phones are noisy. The other problem is that any properly motivated bastard with a voyeuristic streak will be able to find a way to silence their camera phone with either a software hack or a small modification to the hardware.
Sadly this law can never be truly effective, but the intent and logic are solid and it would deter some less sophisticated or motivated perverts.
The Geek Whisperer 
Good point, but you could also cover the speaker with your finger, as I do when I’m taking pictures of my cats with my phone (if I don’t want them to move out of position in case I need to do a re-take)
Well, that’s a really low tech and simple work-around.
Excellent point.