TSA: Body Imaging Scanners to Go National
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) can see right through us. With the completion of a pilot program to test a new type of body scan called millimeter-wave imaging, the TSA has decided to take the technology national and make it the standard for U.S. airports, replacing the current walk-through metal detectors.
Designed to expose concealed weapons and explosives, the body scan does its job a little too well and also produces an image that is anatomically explicit. While the images will be out of public view, it's little consolation when your only other option according to the TSA is a pat down. (Decisions, decisions.) The test locations included Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Baltimore-Washington (BWI) and Albuquerque (ABQ).
Considering the nature of the images, the TSA is quick to point out that to ensure privacy, the passenger imaging technology has zero storage capability and images will not be printed stored or transmitted. (A relief for those of us prone to destroying any photo record of having worn swimwear in public.)
See for yourself:
Clearly, this will be a topic of discussion for travelers, everywhere. Your thoughts?