Proving that politicians in the U.S. aren’t the only nuts in the tree, France has just passed a new law criminalizing the act of filming or recording of acts of violence, including acts of violence committed by police. Ironically, this law was passed exactly 16 years after Los Angeles police officers were caught on film, beating Rodney King. The violent arrest was filmed by George Holiday, an amateur videographer. If the same thing were to happen today in France, Mr. Holiday would very likely end up in jail for his efforts. Doesn’t this sound like a reversal of the final episode of Seinfeld, where they were sent to jail for witnessing but not doing anything to prevent the robbery?

The law also applies to anyone who publishes these images, including websites. What does this mean for companies like YouTube? Will they be held accountable for any violent images on their site that are accessible from France? It’s a crazy world.