The White House says visitors can now take photos or use social media during public tours of the building.
The announcement came from First Lady Michelle Obama in a video posted on her Instagram account Wednesday morning.
"If you've been on a White House tour, you may have seen this sign," she says, holding up a sign bearing the message "no photos or social media allowed.''
"Well, not anymore." She then rips the sign in half, to the laughter of others off-screen.
The long-standing ban is ending Wednesday, when guests can start using phone cameras and compact still cameras.
No reason is being given for the change.
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However, some restrictions will remain in place. Video cameras, including action camcorders, cameras with detachable lenses, tablets, tripods, monopods and camera sticks are still not permitted.
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Flash photography and live-streaming also remain prohibited.