Cellphones with cameras banned from Calgary Y

A popular gym in Calgary has banned cellphones equipped with digital cameras from its change rooms to protect its patrons' privacy.

"We're asking them to check their cellphones at the front desk when they come in," said Arlene Adamson of the Calgary YWCA.

The gym said no one, as far as anyone knows, has been photographed in its change rooms, but it wants to make sure that pictures of its patrons don't end up on the web or in someone's e-mail inbox.

Mobile phones that can also take digital pictures and send them anywhere in the world are becoming more popular in Canada.

"A lot of people buy it because they can take a picture and post it up on a website within seconds," said cellphone retailer Preston Pardy.

The camera-phones have spawned a new form of personal web site called moblogs, short for mobile web logs, which feature photos sent instantly over cellphone signals and the author's commentary.

The camera-equipped cellphones are more common in other parts of the world, as are rules on their use.

In parts of Britain, Australia and the U.S., the phones aren't allowed near swimming pools or other sports facilities.