Airbrushed Pics May Get French Health Warning

Lawmakers look to require label on digitally altered photos
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 22, 2009 12:01 PM CDT
Airbrushed Pics May Get French Health Warning
Sharon Stone poses on the cover of the December 2000 issue of Elle. It has been rumored that the pictures of the actress have been computer-altered to appear more flattering.   (Getty Images)

Amid the uproar over fashion photos whose models are airbrushed to teeny-tiny perfection, French politicians are proposing a law that would require any such photos to include a health warning, Reuters reports. Digitally altered ads, press photos, campaign art, packaging, and art photography would have to include “Photograph retouched to modify the physical appearance of a person” or be subject to a fine.

“These images can make people believe in a reality that often does not exist,” says one politician, adding that unrealistic photos could lead to psychological problems such as eating disorders. (More France stories.)

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