We've talked a lot about full-body
security
scans in airports, as it's powerful and challenging tech. But
should travelers worry about them--or is the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) what they should be more concerned about?
Over two dozen complaints filed with the TSA over the last year suggest that it's failing to do this job as well as it really should. Over 51 pages of these documents have just been requested by the Electronic Privacy Information Center under the Freedom of Information Act. They cover a broad swath of issues, with the main issue being lack of full disclosure by the TSA. Travelers complained there wasn't enough signage, or explanations about an alternative to the scan (a detailed pat-down by a person.) And others expressed concern that there was no explanation about the safety or potential risks involved in exposing children or pregnant women to the scans--medical issues which it's frankly inexcusable of the TSA to not be open about.
Some background: Most full-body scans essentially use electromagnetic radiations which are capable of penetrating through clothing but which bounce off flesh. Image sensors then create a picture of your body as if it were unclothed--leaving few places left to conceal weapons or contraband items. The scans are an augmented layer of security, designed to accompany metal detectors and pat-downs, alongside x-raying of your hand luggage. And they're being promoted all around the world as the next great thing in terrorism prevention, partly in the wake of the underwear bomber.
To read the full, original article click on this link: Should You Be Afraid of Airport Body Scans? Or Just the TSA? | Technomix | Fast Company
Author: Kit Eaton
