Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has caused a few problems with the media after he upgraded his $US1.2 billion luxury yacht with an anti-paparazzi laser shield.

Apparently the boat will have a missile proof hull and windows and will soon be fitted with a missile-defence system in France. It also has a large militarily trained security team to prevent piracy. While it is unlikely the ship will have many pirates to deal with the thing that has got the media miffed is the laser shield. It is able to scan for electronic light sensors used in digital cameras.

If it detects a camera nearby, it automatically fires a bolt of light, rendering the camera unable to take a picture. A British media lawyer has claimed photographers might be entitled to claim compensation under laws preventing "intermeddling with goods belonging to someone else".

The lawyer added that protection of privacy might not be an adequate justification here because "there are no private places on the ocean". Abramovich, lives in Blighty and is the owner of the Chelsea Football Club and the private investment company Millhouse.