Why do Beijing subway operators ban photography in their transport systems? The question has gained momentum in online and media circles in recent months and created controversy. Liu Ying, a university professor and deputy of the Beijing People’s Congress, was stopped by a subway worker after taking a picture inside a subway station late last year. The subway employee insisted that Liu delete the photo, citing *internal rules. Liu, who was taking a picture of a malfunctioning exit, questioned these regulations and demanded the subway operator officially explain the reasons for such a ban.