TSA Wants To Use X-Rays That Expose Your Privates

TSA's Revealing X-Ray Screening Raises Privacy Concerns

The TSA plans on implementing a new x-ray technology that will finally fulfill the dream of thousands of baby boomer boys that sent away for "x-ray glasses" that were advertised on the back of comics sold everywhere.

The federal government plans this month to launch the nation's first airport screening system that takes potentially revealing X-ray photos of travelers in an effort to find bombs and other weapons.

Transportation Security Administration screeners at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will test a "backscatter" machine that could vastly improve weapons detection but has been labeled a "virtual strip search" by the American Civil Liberties Union. Backscatter can show clear images of nude bodies.

At Phoenix and another yet-to-be-decided test airport, the machines will blur or shade images to obscure body parts and medical devices. The TSA also will look at using the machines in subways.

Of course, only an idiot would miss the point that if these machines blur out the particular body parts (genitals, female breasts, rectal areas), then that is going to be the places where terrorists are going to put their explosives, nail clippers, liquid gels over 3 ounces, and rocket propelled grenades.

"It's time to get them out and get feedback from [screeners] and the traveling public," said Randy Null, TSA assistant administrator. The TSA has been considering the machines since 2002 while struggling with privacy issues.

I can provide feedback now: this approach is well beyond reason and necessity. Alternative technology that does not invade the body, does not expose persons traveling about with uncontrolled radiation and does not represent a biohazard to everyone in the security lines at the airport already exists. The use of enhanced chemical "sniffer" devices could be used (and are a lot cheaper) instead of allowing a bunch of less than properly, less than adequately trained security folks to take a peek at our genitalia.

We do not have to allow technology to become the tool of Big Brother in order to make our nation's airports safe. If we want to use such x-ray technology, we should implement it at our ports where tons of uninspected cargo is introduced into our nation daily.

Null said the TSA is now "very comfortable" with privacy protections manufacturers have built into the machines, which scatter low-intensity X-rays to peer under clothing for hidden items.

We are on our way to turning security stations into publicly-sponsored nudy bars.

Barry Steinhardt, head of the ACLU's technology and liberty program, said operating the backscatter machines at airports will pave the way for widespread use — and abuse. "As this technology becomes commonplace, you're going to start seeing those images all over the Internet," Steinhardt said. "These images are going to have high commercial value."

Amen, brother Steinhardt!