Published on 01:31 PM, July 02, 2015

Michelle tears up White House photography ban

Tourists take pictures in the White House July 1, 2015 in Washington, DC. The White House on Wednesday lifted its 40-year-old ban on camera and photo use on public tours. Phones and compact still cameras with a lens no longer than 3 inches are allowed inside the White House. AFP PHOTO/BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI
BBC Online

Selfie lovers will now be able to snap themselves in the US president's residence, after the White House lifted a decades-old ban on photography.

The rule was literally ripped up on Wednesday by Michelle Obama, who posted a video of herself tearing up a sign.

Visitors will now be able to use smart phones or small cameras on guided tours of the famous Washington landmark.

But serious selfie lovers beware - selfie sticks are still banned, as are larger professional style cameras.

"If you've been on a White House tour, you may have seen this sign," Michelle said in the short video, holding up a sign that reads: "No photos or social media allowed. Your co-operation is appreciated."

"Well, not anymore," she said, before tearing the sign in half.

And many of Wednesday's visitors took full advantage, tweeting pictures of the house and grounds.

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