New airport security measures are being established through the use of full body scanners. These scanners use state of the art invasive scans to essentially “x-ray” the entire body. The idea here is that metal scanners will eventually phase it out and bring forth this alleged new, speedier process to reduce travel delay without compromising national security.
What benefits will these scanners have? According to Kristin Lee, spokeswoman for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), these scanners “detect both metallic and nonmetallic threat items to keep passengers safe.” “It is proven technology, and we are highly confident in its detection capability.” Unfortunately, the problem here is that the images rendered are quite intrusive.
The images essentially render a nude image of the traveler, implying a full virtual strip search. It is so intrusive, that privacy advocates are demanding the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to eliminate the use of these full body scanners.
Currently, there are six major airports which have already begun using the full body scanners as a primary means for security. These airports are: San Francisco, Ca; Miami, Florida; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Las Vegas, Nevada.
According to the TSA, 99% of travelers prefer this method of security over others. One big factor is the speed of the process involved. A full scan may take anywhere from 15 to 30 seconds, while a pat down search may range anywhere from 30 seconds to 4 minutes. In addition, those with metal replacements of the body may enjoy the convenience of this new found machine. This is because traditional metal detectors would often sound when an individual with any sort of metal replacement within the body which ultimately resulted in pat downs. Basically, the scanner would generate a small radio frequency roughly a small fraction of what a cell phone frequency would emit. Next, the scanned image would be produced in a secured room separated from the actual scanning area; thus preventing security personnel at the scanning site from viewing the image, while the security personnel who actually views the image, has no view of the passenger’s identity.
While an overwhelming majority prefers this method, is it rather that the sample was too small to conclude? Or rather is it that many individuals simply would not challenge the new revolutionary procedure regardless if they are opposed to the scan or not? Overall, while this scanner is still in its Beta stage, the TSA assures travelers that precautionary measures will continue to be used to protect the identities of the scanned travelers.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/edmonton/story/2009/11/24/bc-canadian-airport-screening-new-technology.html
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2009-02-19-airport-scanners_N.htm
http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/05/18/airport.security.body.scans/
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