The Campaign Against 'Naked' TSA Scans
| Mon May. 18, 2009 11:33 AM PDT
When TSA introduced full-body scans of passengers back in 2007 as an alternative to pat-downs, privacy advocates cried foul. Two years later, there are 19 airports with body scanners and the possibility that these machines (which reveal every fold of your body) will become mandatory instead of optional. Today, the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) says it will launch a national campaign against the TSA's scanning machines, gathering signatures in hopes of creating a "viral" consumer movement.
Having followed these machines for some time, I agree with EPIC's concerns. I do give the TSA props for improving their "privacy algorithm": Though nicknamed "the Peeper," millimeter wave scanners are definitely less graphic than the backscatter machines previously used by the TSA. But as you can see on the agency's site by the one, small picture of a scan they provide, the millimeter wave machines still reveal clear outlines of breasts and genetalia. And despite what's shown on the TSA's brief informational videos, not all travelers are 40-something men. The bodies of children and women and the elderly are also being scanned. I think if a news channel showed a child in the scanning machine, it would increase public concern about the machines. Few parents, I would wager, are happy to have a total stranger see a scan of their child's naked body. That said, it's a hard choice between having your daughter patted down in front of you, or having her nude image seen by some random person 100 yards away.
Although a TSA spokeswoman told CNN that staffers viewing images "aren't allowed to bring cameras, cell phones, or any recording device into the room," I just don't trust that an image won't be recorded or leaked. After all, the TSA is not particularly known for its respect for passenger privacy. (Remember that 2005 data dump lawsuit?) In fact, as the GAO found out in an investigation, TSA staffers will hassle you over your prescription shampoo, but totally miss the bomb parts you just brought through security in your carry-on. All the technology in the world ain't gonna fix human error. For my tax-payer dollar, I'd prefer that the government spend less on expensive technology that treats all passengers, even infants, as possible terrorists, and spend more on intelligence-gathering that prevents the real terrorists from making it to the airport in the first place.
(p.s. For an informative 60 Minutes look inside the TSA, click here.)
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Comments
Human anatomy is nothing to
Submitted by Ivy (not verified) on Mon May. 18, 2009 6:19 PM PDT.
Human anatomy is nothing to be afraid of or hide from. Any inadequacy or embarrassment people feel by being nude is an entirely socially developed reaction to something harmless.
I would guess I am in the minority regarding that sentiment, however..
That is clearly not the
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed Aug. 5, 2009 9:33 AM PDT.
That is clearly not the point.
About those infants
Submitted by Douglas McClean (not verified) on Mon May. 18, 2009 7:08 PM PDT.
You talked about technology that "treats all passengers, even infants, as possible terrorists."
Even though it sounds silly on a shallow examination, it is CRITICALLY important that we do this. Doing anything else only makes it easier for would-be attackers: knowing that infants won't be treated to as much scrutiny tells me exactly where to hide my weapons.
To turn around the rhetoric, try mocking techniques that "tell Al Qaeda who we are going to scan and who we aren't" instead.
Its NOT optional like the TSA says!
Submitted by TVD (not verified) on Wed May. 20, 2009 1:55 PM PDT.
I traveled through the Las Vegas airport earlier this year, and I was routed through the "naked" scanner without being given any option. I did not know what it was until after I had gone through, and was extremely upset. It was clear that they did not choose the overweight man behind me or the old lady in front of me for their "special honor". I do not stand out as anyone who would need a secondary check, was not acting suspicious, etc. And it's supposed to be OPTIONAL to go through the new scanner! I filed a complaint with the TSA. I won't hold my breath that they'll do anything though.
Scanners
Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue Oct. 13, 2009 11:42 AM PDT.
We in England have just been told that naked scanners are to be introduced at air ports. If my wife was to be put through one of those scanners i will be sent to jail for a long time because of the distruction I will cause to the scanner and any one operating it. My wifes body is for me and me alone to see and not some pervert that the air port has seen fit. If you think i am being stupid then you can't have any feelings for the ones you love and couldn't care less if a stranger was to see your loved one naked. what would make a porn actress different from your loved one if she was to be seen by anyone naked.
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I agree
Submitted by baby booties (not verified) on Tue Dec. 1, 2009 7:58 PM PST.
I agree with EPIC's concerns.
I agree
Submitted by baby booties (not verified) on Tue Dec. 1, 2009 8:00 PM PST.
I agree with EPIC's concerns.
Absolutely disgusting
Submitted by Anonymous from the UK (not verified) on Sun Jan. 3, 2010 1:19 PM PST.
It may may make me a prude but I do not want people to see my naked image and neither do many others. Even the most primitive tribal societies that can be found in many parts of the world wear loin cloths, it is a slightly bizzare aspect of human nature that we wish to keep out genitals private.
And what about those with strong religios beliefs like nuns or strict female muslims? What about children, some of whom will find being "stripped off" a horrible experience? What about cancer survivors with implants for removed testicles and breasts, do they not deserve their dignity?
And who is going to be watching these images either a bunch of students laughing their heads off or paedophiles who will be strongly attracted to this kind of job as it gives them a "legal high". How will they stop these images being leeked to the internet? What will they do once they are leaked?
I can only name two succesful terrorist attacks by plane, 9/11 and Lockerby, there are probably a few more but it seems to me that these steps aren't even necesary and certainly does nothing to prevent the causes of terrorism, which is the real area the various goverments should be targeting.
If we have to sacrafice our rights to privacy then the terrorists have won since the Islamic extremest terrorists, whom this is presumably targeting, do not have an actual cause other than to cause misery and mayhem.
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