Are you concerned about whole-body imaging machines at airports?
iStockphoto.com
CNN reported that there is a growing concern about the TSA’s use of whole-body imaging machines at the nation’s airports. In fact, privacy advocates from the Electronic Privacy Information Center will lead a national campaign to educate the flying public and try to get regulations passed on these airport security machines.
The Transportation Security Administration stands by the whole-body imaging machines and says they are confident in their detection abilities. Furthermore, TSA officials claim that passengers would prefer to go through the body imaging machines over being physically patted down by a TSA official. They also have implemented policies and procedures to protect a passenger’s privacy, such as not allowing cameras or cell phones in the area where the body imaging machine is used, and by not storing images taken of passengers.
But critics are not convinced and want more safeguards put into place to protect the privacy of passengers who go through the “virtual strip search” procedure. And Bruce Schneier, an internationally recognized security technologist, says that while the machines work well enough, he’s not convinced they keep air travelers any safer, and are not worth the hefty price tag – $170,000 per machine.
Do you feel the whole-body imaging machines are an invasion of privacy? Are you convinced they are keeping you safer when you fly?
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
3 comments Add your comment
Chris
May 25th, 2009
11:40 am
Yes, I am. I am not convinced that the machines are worth their cost and cost of man power to operate them.
I am concerned that the TSA takes a knee-jerk approach to preventing terrorist attacks rather than a pro-active approach. All security procedures should be taken outside the airport before ANYONE and ANY BAGGAGE / PACKAGE enter the airport.
I am even more worried about millions of citizens (not just travelers) who are blase and lack the foresight to be alert about potential dangers in plain view AND reporting them immediately such as unattended bags and unusual behavior. Americans are far more naive than our European neighbors.
Sarah H
May 27th, 2009
9:34 am
At least someone will get a look. It has been a long time. lol
Jennifer Cecelia
October 18th, 2009
5:21 pm
I still think someone is bound to get turned on… and I am skinny… I cringe at the thought of some dude or chick (oh geez that’s worse…) becoming aroused from my body shape. Sorry but, I would feel alittle better if I was not constantly reminded of it by all these paranoid critics. Let them due their job. If your fat, be glad, and don’t worry, because most won’t be turned on and won’t start thinking dirty thoughts about you- so take it easy. But I want to start hearing that a machine is being used instead, that only projects, in the image, anything that is not actual skin (using something other than an xray, I would image), that could decipher the difference between skin and plastic and a machine for sleep apnia that is harmless and a machine for sleep apnia that has a bomb inside of it…. and a sharp knife from a butter knife….or just ban eating utensils all together, and make it obvious on websites and on site…… and…..stop saying “We’ve got a hot one!” for the love of god. You got your laugh. Now knock it off.
PS: Do you reeallly think that a pervert would actually get hired in such an occupational position as one involved in looking at naked pictures of young and adult Homosapiens? Not in this country- well, not with the American standard, at least.