The Transportation Security Administration is using whole body imaging machines in 19 airports around the country as first-line screening of passengers. The machines use millimeter wave scanning to essentially create images that strip the clothing from passengers. The TSA says it’s less invasive than being patted down, and that the technique is safe from a health standpoint.
However, various groups have banded together under the name Privacy Coalition to fight the use of these machines, claiming that such screenings go beyond what is necessary for airline safety, and in fact represent egregious violation of privacy rights.
I have to agree. I’ve never minded submitting to a pat-down when asked; I’d rather people feel secure that I’m not at all a threat. Aside from the fact that I’m leery about the long-term effects of millimeter wave use (how many times has the public been told that something is safe, when years later it’s proven otherwise?), I don’t relish the idea of my naked body being displayed on a terminal somewhere. The TSA says that none of the scanning machines are set up for video, but I can virtually guarantee you that sooner or later, you’ll see some of this stuff on YouTube. Even if it’s one guy with a video camera, that’s all it takes.
Also, you can’t convince me that these workstations aren’t set up for image capture; if a passenger were found with anything suspicious under their clothes, you can bet the TSA would need to supply proof. I’m sorry these machines cost so much to make and install, because sooner or later, they’re all going away.
Post 911 gone too far. It won’t be long before sombody hacks this and images go out or we find out that pedofiles are running the machines and watching our children. Should we just all travel naked?
Well well now…tragedy averted over the skies of Michigan only because the would be terrorist’s bomb failed to detonate. A bomb that would have easily been detected by a Whole Body Imaging System like the one you are being a cry baby about. It takes a truly perverted mind to see anything remotely erotic in the images created by the WBI and no…the computer systems can not store the images at all. What a difference 7 months can make.
I have little problem with privacy, as there do seem to be good safeguards in place, but there will always be a way to get around things. Niether of these can scan body cavities. The xmas bomber could have hidden it internally. The fear industrial complex is making too much money on this “need”.
EITHER ADPOPT THE ISRALI SYSTEM
AND TELL THE PISSERS AND MOANERS
TO TAKE THE BUS OR TAKE OUT LIFE INSURANCE ON FAMILY AND FREINDS THAT FLY
ONE CAN UNDERSTAND WHY ANN COLTER OBJECTS TO THE SCANNER ALONG WITH THE REST THAT ONLY WENT HALF WAY. B A LOT PEOPLE OUTED AS IF I CARE THE ISRALI METHOD OR TAKE THE BUS
What is so bad about someone seeing your naked body? If they are seeing 3000 in their 8-hour shift, is there anything about yours that is going to titillate them? If they took a pic and posted it on Internet, would it get any TRAFFIC?