Respect, Not Restriction: 2 million views within the first 72 hours

People react to the new law banning photography in hotels and casinos.

As of August 2025, a new privacy law has come into effect that bans the unauthorised photography and filming of guests in Monaco’s hotels and casinos—a move widely welcomed by high-profile clientele and hospitality leaders alike.

Now, with fines reportedly reaching up to €5,000 for unauthorised filming or photography, the new regulation puts legal weight behind what has long been an unspoken rule: what happens in Monte-Carlo stays in Monte-Carlo.

The announcement sparked major engagement on Living in Monaco’s Instagram page, where the post (@livinginmonaco) reached over 2 million views within the first 72 hours. The reaction was swift, polarising, and passionate.

✨ “Finally, someone’s protecting privacy instead of exploiting it.” – @azur.legacy

📵 “This is why Monaco is different. You don’t film the guests, you let them breathe.” – @cotedeluxe

📸 “Influencers are going to cry about this but this place isn’t a selfie set—it’s a sanctuary.” – @quietluxuryglobal

🤳 “If you’re upset about this, you’re probably not the one being filmed.” – @monacolifestyleeditor

Many praised the law for upholding Monaco’s timeless values of discretion and class, while a vocal minority argued that it could hinder digital creators and “modern tourism.” But as one comment succinctly put it:

“Monaco was never meant to be an open set—it’s a closed chapter of elegance.” – @vintageriviera

The legislation, passed quietly earlier this summer, was designed in close consultation with key stakeholders across the Principality’s luxury and entertainment sectors, including Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), which manages the world-renowned Monte-Carlo Casino and Hôtel de Paris. Its intent: to safeguard the fundamental right to privacy in a nation that has long positioned itself as a sanctuary for the world’s most recognised—and discreet—individuals.

While some may view the ban as strict, most residents and industry professionals see it as necessary. A viral video, originally posted earlier this summer, showed casino guests being filmed unknowingly—a moment many called “unbecoming of Monaco’s standards.”

Now, with the law officially in place, the message is unmistakable: respect for privacy is no longer a favour, but a legal obligation.

Hotel and casino operators across the Principality are aligning swiftly with the new rules. Staff are being retrained to sensitively enforce the ban, and visible signage is being added in lobbies, elevators, gaming rooms, and common areas to inform visitors.