Air travellers on 'naked' scanners - 3 views

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  #1 Jiamin Lin on 14 Oct 09

   

  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8303982.stm
  
  Latest security scanner that produces "naked" image of air travelers is now being tested at Manchester Airport.
  
  Air travelers no longer have to remove their jackets and shoes as the scanners are able to scan through these layers with ease. However, the scanner is so powerful that it is also able to make out the contours of the body. This implys that intimate parts of the body is outlined.
  
  Apparently, the testers have ways to protect the privacy of the person being scanned. Firstly, only one person will be looking at the images at all times. Secondly, images cannot be downloaded or saved by any means. Thirdly, the room which the computer sits in, prohibits anyone from bringing in handphones or digital recording devices. With all these measures in place, can we say that the privacy of the air travelers being scanned is justified?
  
  This give me the impression that the privacy of the public is sacrifice at the expense of security for the greater good of everyone. Which takes on a very utilitarian viewpoint. However, it also makes me ponder: Would this test then trigger off the upgading of other public devices, such as security cameras to be able to use x-ray on public areas to scan for potential criminals?

   

  <div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8303982.stm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8303982.stm</a> <br /> <br /> Latest security scanner that produces "naked" image of air travelers is now being tested at Manchester Airport. <br /> <br /> Air travelers no longer have to remove their jackets and shoes as the scanners are able to scan through these layers with ease. However, the scanner is so powerful that it is also able to make out the contours of the body. This implys that intimate parts of the body is outlined. <br /> <br /> Apparently, the testers have ways to protect the privacy of the person being scanned. Firstly, only one person will be looking at the images at all times. Secondly, images cannot be downloaded or saved by any means. Thirdly, the room which the computer sits in, prohibits anyone from bringing in handphones or digital recording devices. With all these measures in place, can we say that the privacy of the air travelers being scanned is justified? <br /> <br /> This give me the impression that the privacy of the public is sacrifice at the expense of security for the greater good of everyone. Which takes on a very utilitarian viewpoint. However, it also makes me ponder: Would this test then trigger off the upgading of other public devices, such as security cameras to be able to use x-ray on public areas to scan for potential criminals?</div>

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