High-Tech Airport Body Scans Leave Nothing to the Imagination
We all hate airport security checkpoints. We hate the wait, the lines and the fact that we always seem to wear mismatching socks on the day we fly (seriously!). That said, the checkpoints are essential to public safety, and we deal with them accordingly. A controversial scanning technology we reported on last year is taking passenger security to the next level, and, for some people, it is one level too far.Live Science reports that whole-body scanning technology is popping up at airport security checkpoints around the country, and to say that these scanners see everything is an understatement. The new technology can penetrate clothing, allowing Transportation Security Authority (TSA) officials to see the subject's silhouette along with metallic and non-metallic objects.
Two types of body scan technologies have been tested by the TSA. Millimeter wave (MMW) scanning creates a 3-D image of the subject by bouncing it with radio waves. The second, slower type of unit is called a backscatter, which uses X-rays to scan for dangerous or illegal objects.
The issue here is privacy. Both technologies produce a pretty graphic 3-D image of the person being scanned (complete with the outlines of underwear), so we know a lot of people will have reservations about such an invasive procedure. We know for certain that the TSA had better do some darn good background checks on the people operating those machines. Can you imagine if someone was found to be exploiting said images? What a nightmare that would be. [From: Live Science/FOX News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
MadMike said 9:44AM on 4-07-2009
I can see where a woman could be "skeptical" of the technology - but looking at the images it produces, I don't see anything that could be offensive or inappropriate. You can't even identify a person from one of these scans and with people shoving all manner of things into orifices to hide them from security, these do more good than harm.
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guardedlyoptimistic said 1:22PM on 4-07-2009
the "pics" that you are seeing here and at most TSA friendly sites are NOT the actual images that the screeners will see. There are some of the actual images on you-tube and from British sites. They are FAR more revealing than we are being led to believe. CNN did a sample and demonstrated that if people did not want their genitals clearly showing that the only way to hide them was to cover them with a plate of metal. Women will be revealing nipples, pubic hair etc and men will be exposing their penis. The fact that the TSA is being so deceptive initially is what is truly alarming about this whole thing!
MadMike said 10:37AM on 4-08-2009
Do they make a portable version, that looks like a normal pair of sunglasses? (joking).
Brian said 9:47AM on 4-07-2009
Do you really care if some security card is going to see your junk while he scans for box cutters.
There is no conspiracy here. Your naked body isn't being broadcast on national television. This is a good security tool.
Stop being so insecure. Males scan males, females scan females. No one cares about your junk but you.
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Tom said 3:53PM on 4-12-2009
Maybe nobody really cares about being seen as if naked on these scanners except for the news "professionals" who are trying to stir up discontent for a story. Fly nude!
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sepirioth said 10:59AM on 4-07-2009
I fly all the time and have yet to see these. I personaly dont care, Its less evasive to me then a pat down like they STILL do at Heathrow Airport. But I DO think I would have a problem with some punk checking out my lady beyond what they should be... that is where the "privacy" comes in :)
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