SANUR, Bali — Photographers using the FotoYu platform have reportedly been barred from operating in parts of Sanur after complaints emerged over foreign tourists being photographed without permission, including while sunbathing.
The restriction has reportedly been in place for around two weeks in the area governed by Intaran Traditional Village, according to detikBali.
Denpasar City Council Deputy Speaker Ida Bagus Yoga Adi Putra, known as Gus Yoga, said the issue appeared to stem from reports that some photographers had taken pictures of foreign tourists while they were sunbathing.
He said hotels may also have received complaints about the activity, prompting local authorities to step in.
The exact basis and scope of the restriction, however, remain unclear.
A photographer identified as Arya said FotoYu photographers had stopped operating in the Intaran Traditional Village area after being warned by local security officers.
Arya said he and several other photographers later attempted to take pictures in an area behind Icon Mall Sanur but were again approached and told not to continue.
He said photographers had not yet received a detailed explanation of the legal or administrative basis for the restriction and had been unable to obtain a full clarification from the relevant authorities.
After discussion of the issue spread on social media, Arya said he was contacted by representatives of the village-owned business body, or BUPDA, and was told that the matter was still under discussion.
Photographers using FotoYu can upload images to the platform, where users can search for photographs of themselves using artificial intelligence and facial-recognition technology.
In Sanur, photographs offered through the platform have reportedly been sold for around Rp30,000 each.
The issue has raised questions over how street and tourism photography should be managed in areas heavily visited by international tourists, particularly when people may be photographed without first giving consent.
Gus Yoga said the matter is expected to be discussed in a meeting involving the Denpasar deputy mayor, BUPDA and tourism stakeholders.
He said a possible solution could include creating designated photography zones while also protecting the privacy and comfort of visitors.
Despite the restriction in the Intaran Traditional Village area, Arya said some photographers were still operating further north in Sanur Kaja.
No final policy has yet been announced, and discussions over how FotoYu photographers may operate in Sanur are continuing.
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