One recent piece of news regarding airport scanners is that the U.S. government has allegedly denied the research submitted a couple of physics professors. These professors have stated that x-ray airport scanners that are used for security examinations at airports may not detect all explosive material. Their theory states that people who strap explosive materials flat on their abdomen may be unreadable by the radiation privacy machines.
The TSA has supplied a written response that ultimately denies the information provided by the professors. These professors were both physics lecturers at the University of California-San Francisco. Their study was supposed to validate the effectiveness of the security machines. Many people including the professors, believe that these machines are a breach of our privacy. The images displaced are full body images which leaves nothing to the imagination. Some people are not concerned with the privacy issues involved with the body pat or scanners, but they are concerned with the health issues associated with radiation. However, there are individuals who have privacy issues with these airport body scanners. These individuals have the option of opting out of a body scanner search and must be searched by hand from security officers.
When it comes to the privacy of the images scanned, there are many different opinions. Some people are afraid that these images will end up in the wrong hands and are afraid of humiliation. Honestly, in my opinion there really isn’t much to about if you are concerned with these images being spread across the internet and other resources. The rebuttal that government officials will provide when questioned about the personal privacy of travelers is the increased requirement if security.
Some readers may be thinking, “Anything more than the standard bag search and metal detectors is increased security”. This statement is correct; these airport scanners do provide additional security but are they as efficient as claimed. Another question that consumers may raise is what precautions are being taken so that these airport scanners aren’t being misused in any way? These are both great questions and must be taken up with the proper authorities for an accurate answer.
Individuals that feel violated by this process and don’t want to be searched with the full body scanners don’t be alarmed! Although airport security officials may give you a hard time and question you as of why you oppose the scanner, this is your right! You may waste more of your time during and waiting for the hand search; to some individuals anything that will keep them from being examined by airport scanners is okay.