I agree that it is sometimes easier to comply with silly requests, but I'm not sure you could have been legally compelled to delete your pictures.


If the mall permits anyone to enter and doesn't post signs stating photography is prohibited, they would have some difficulty prevailing in court. This would be especially difficult if they had to explain why every patron with a cell phone camera wasn't being stopped andasked to delete pictures. The mall is literally filled with cameras, the burden would be on the owner to explain why your pictures presented asecurity danger. Otherwise, the action against you was simply arbitrary.


If I had been in your position and the photo was newsworthy or presented some value to me, I wouldhave resisted.My first question in these circumstances is, "are you officially detaining me andon what legal grounds."