Full Body Scanners – Good or Evil

Full body scanners have been introduced in many well known airports across the world. Although, these scanners are a major breakthrough in terms of security arrangements, different sections of the community have raised certain concerns. Date : Friday, March 11, 2011

A full-body scanner is a scanning machine, which has been installed in different airports for security purposes. This device creates nude images of people but does not necessitate the physical removal of clothes. This way, the scanners can indicate whether a person is carrying weapons or other prohibited items. As the scanner creates nude images, the process is also called virtual strip search. The Netherlands is the first country in the world to install this device in its airport. The move has not been very well received by many in different quarters of the community.

Airports Using these Scanners

Here is a list of the airports that have installed these scanners. Incidentally, many of these airports are gateways to some of the world famous cheap holiday destinations which are well served by dozens of airlines operating countless cheap flights.

Types of Scanners

Different technologies are used in these scanners such as millimetre wave scanner and backscatter X-ray. The active form of millimetre wave scanner reflects very high frequency radio waves off a person’s body and creates images. These images reflect objects being carried under the clothes. Passive millimeter wave screening devices depend upon the natural emission of raw energy from the objects hidden by a person apart from the person's body itself. The backscatter X-ray is yet another technology.

Pros and Cons of Full Body Scanners

Full body scanners have their share of pros and cons. Although, the number of pros is pretty less than the cons, the pros are quite important. A major advantage is that the scanner dispenses with the indignity of putting someone through a strip search. Another benefit is that these scanners are very fast compared to the process of strip search. In fact, putting someone through a scanner just takes about 15 seconds.

Controversy

These scanners have stirred a lot of controversy and body scanner protests have rocked the media for quite some time. Questions have been raised over the ethical aspect of generating virtually nude images of people. There is a lot of debate over the health risks associated with these scanners as well.

Privacy

Full body scanners have been attacked on the grounds of being very intrusive, especially when they are used without probable cause. In fact, it has been said that these violate basic human rights.

• According to opponents, governments have no right to conduct routine strip searches. It is immaterial whether these searches entail physical removal of clothes or using a machine that shows a person without clothes.
• Scanning machines have the ability to show nude skin surfaces and this includes breast implants and other artificial body parts. These images can confuse security officials and prompt them into making further inspections, which may involve stripping the person or touching in an inappropriate manner.
• Scanning technology also shows hidden medical equipment such as catheters and colostomy bags.
• Members of the transgender community have also expressed the concern that these devices are very embarrassing.
• Corrupt airport employees have also been caught using these scanners for pornographic purposes.
• The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) has already filed a lawsuit to for the suspension of the deployment of full-body scanners in the airports of the United States. In fact, EPIC has claimed that using these scanners has violated the Administrative Procedures Act, the Privacy Act, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the Fourth Amendment of the US constitution.

Minority Communities

Questions had also been raised over the sentiments of the minority communities. The major concern was that the scanners were unable to detect objects hidden inside burqas, hijab, turbans, and certain other clothes. People wearing such clothes would have to be subjected to further screening besides being taken through the scanning process. This can cause feelings of harassment and resentment.

Health Concerns

Opinion is divided over the health issues associated with full body scanning devices. Different radiation authorities, including the Nuclear Energy Agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency have advised against the usage of ionizing radiation on specific individuals such as children and pregnant women. It has also been argued that long term studies on the health risks posed by these scanners have not been conducted.

Much as the use of these full body scanners has been criticized by travellers, authorities and human right bodies alike, it is unclear if in the long run, this would serve as a deterrent for some tourists to book cheap flights to these destinations for their holidays. Not only those who arrive at these destinations, but also those who book cheap tickets on connecting flights via these airports may be required to go through this process of full body scanning.