Japan’s exclusive smartphone feature designed to deter stalkers
Many are unaware of this unique function found only in Japanese mobile devices.
Most people assume that smartphones function the same way worldwide. However, if you purchase a modern smartphone that has a camera (like an iPhone) in Japan, you’ll notice a small but significant difference: the camera shutter sound cannot be muted, even when the phone is in silent mode.
This feature exists as a preventative measure against covert photography, particularly in public spaces like trains and cafes.
The origins of Japan’s shutter sound law
In the early 2000s, as mobile phones with cameras became widespread, reports surfaced of individuals using silent mode to take inappropriate photos without consent.
To combat this, Japanese phone manufacturers and carriers agreed to mandate an audible shutter sound on all smartphones sold in Japan. This regulation was later reinforced by privacy protection laws, ensuring that every photo taken is accompanied by a distinct sound.
Does the shutter sound disappear outside Japan?
If you buy a Japanese iPhone, the shutter sound will remain active while in Japan. However, once you leave the country, the phone’s geolocation settings allow it to mute the shutter sound, making it function like any other iPhone.
This means that while traveling in Japan, you’ll have to deal with the noise, but once you return home, your phone will behave normally.
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