Selfies Are Being Banned In Mumbai – Because They’re Causing Too Many Deaths

The love of the selfie in India comes all the way from the top – prime minister Narendra Modi is well known for posing with world leaders, and posting the shots on social media.

But it's causing problems. Big problems.

In the time since selfies became a 'thing', they've been responsible for 49 recorded deaths, according to San Francisco-based data service provider Priceonomics.

And a staggering 19 of those took place in India.

So why is that?

Well, in part it could be down to the country's size – it does, after all account for just under a fifth of the global population.

But there are also cultural aspects; the country has the fastest-growing smartphone market in the world, and none of the social media restrictions you'd see in the likes of China.

In short, India is hooked on selfies – and its residents are hooked on capturing the most thrilling shots imaginable, with occasional tragic consequences.

After an 18-year-old woman's death last month at the Mumbai Bandstand Fort, a popular tourist destination, the city's police carried out a survey to identify dangerous places.

And now, they've been banned in 16 areas identified around the city – with fines for those who flaunt the law.

Is that the problem solved, then?

Not at all – people can still be seen all over the city taking shots, leaning over edges or standing on ledges to get the best shots.

So this is a step. But it seems there's a lot more to do.