A camera-equipped mobile terminal and a method for automatically restricting the use of its picture-taking function are provided. The terminal detects a frequency signal of a wireless channel other than wireless channels used for communication, which has high Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) and low pilot power/total received power (Ec/Io). If the strength (i.e., RSSI value) of the detected frequency signal is greater than a predetermined threshold, the picture-taking function of the mobile terminal is deactivated.