what's to prevent them from buying an iphone via the internet that can have the sound disabled?

Or indeed another phone. I'm sure that if upskirt photography were your thing, the ability to do really would be the deal breaker when choosing a camera/phone

Don't see how that's going to do much to prevent it. The picture is still taken by the time they hear the sound. Sure the guy might get slapped, but he's still got the pict. for later enjoyment. Unless the phone gets tossed in a toilet or something. :)

"though they can choose to have it say "cheese" instead"

...given the context...

*facepalm* oye.

What good is a coochi-cam without a click?? I do like Bunny's "say cheese" option though!

I've never been able to grasp the underskirt fetish

Do they not have porn in Japan??....... or are these perverts also seeking the thrill of sneaky picture taking?

Actually, I'm told by a friend that porn is illegal in Japan. *cue "the more you know" soundclip*