A new California law will fine paparazzi for taking photos that invade a celebrity’s right to privacy. The law also targets media outlets that purchase the photos.

Signed by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Sunday, the new law makes it a crime to take and sell unauthorized photos of celebrities in “personal or familial activity.” Violators face fines up to $50,000. The anti-paparazzi amendment takes effect in January.

Throngs of photographers often jockey to get the perfect shot of a celebrity, but that doesn’t mean it’s welcomed,, CNN noted. Britney Spears famously had enough one night, taking an umbrella to a photographer’s SUV.

In 1998, Schwarzenegger himself had his car swarmed by paparazzi while he was picking up his child from school. Jennifer Aniston received $550,000 and an apology from a photographer who used a high-powered telephoto lens to shoot her in the backyard wearing only panties.

While paparazzi may get a bad rap for their methods, celebrity columnist Ben Widdicombe said things are not always what they seem.

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