There’s a new debate brewing with the burgeoning use of photos/videos being recorded on cell phones and people’s right to privacy. What started off as harmless (although increasingly annoying) selfies has now turned into everyone becoming guardians of truth, justice and the American way.

In Texas, the Austin-based American Phoenix Foundation has had 16 people with hidden cameras at the Capitol for six months in a bid to expose “hypocrisy” by Texas lawmakers.

There have been several House Republican lawmakers who expressed concerns with some of the group’s tactics, saying they were approached in an aggressive manner by people with hidden cameras to secretly videotape encounters that has raised alarms for Capitol security. Between gun advocates openly carrying down the hallowed halls of the capitol and covert videographers, it’s a wonder anyone feels safe there. Good thing they installed those panic buttons.

John Beria, spokesperson for the group said “they’ve collected quite a bit of content that I think will probably be very good, but a camera is nothing to be worried about if you’re not doing anything wrong” which is exactly the same argument used by proponents of red-light cameras. I guess you can have your cake and eat it too.

Now comes word that it’s not only politicians who are worried about being filmed. The airline industry is also taking notice. American Airlines updated its internal policies to allow employees at the airport, including ticket counters, gates, cargo, baggage, and onboard, to stop passengers from taking pictures.

“The policy is in place to protect employees and customers,” says Andrea Huguely, an American Airlines spokeswoman.

We’ve all seen the cell phone videos taken by passengers during those moments in the not so friendly skies. It’s hard to blame someone not being comfortable when dealing with an unruly passenger and there are 37 cells phone recording your every move.

And, it’s not only airline employees. Currently there are several proposed bills under the Texas Big Top (or State Capitol Building) are trying to tackle this modern issue. HB 2918 would make it illegal for private citizens to film police officers while conducting their duties. (This ban would not apply to members of the real-media).

So where does the right to document start and the right to privacy end? As usual, it will likely be decided by our elected officials and the courts.