Would YOU be happy to take the 'naked' body scan?

By Vanessa Allen
Last updated at 9:12 AM on 29th December 2009

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Fears over airport security could leave millions of passengers facing the indignity of a 'naked' body scan and paying higher fares to fund it.

Hi-tech body scanners can see through clothes to detect hidden weapons or explosives such as those used in the failed Christmas Day plot.

They produce an anatomical image of passengers' bodies, including breasts and genitalia, and have been attacked as too intrusive. Critics have described them as a 'virtual strip search'.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the Government was looking at the use of the full body scanners, but admitted there were cost and privacy issues.
scanners


The scanners are on a year's trial at Manchester Airport, where security officers have already been banned from using them on children following warnings that the images could break child pornography laws which outlaw the creation of images of youngsters.

The machines cost £80,000 each, meaning it would cost millions to install them in all
of Britain's airports. Inevitably the cost would be handed on to passengers through higher air fares.

But security experts have said they would speed up safety checks by quickly revealing any concealed weapons or explosives.


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Dutch airport authorities said yesterday that they would make the new scanners mandatory after syringe bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was able to board his flight from Amsterdam to Detroit without the explosive sewn into his underwear being detected.

Heightened security ordered by the U.S. in the wake of the failed bomb plot has
caused massive delays on both sides of the Atlantic, as airports struggle to cope with the new measures.

The machines would speed up checks as they eliminate the need for passengers to take off their shoes, belts, coats and scarves and would reduce the number who were then subjected to 'pat-down' searches.

Instead, the fully-clothed passenger steps between two screens and is instructed to stand with fingers touching the sides of the head, to provide a clear image of the body.

The machine performs a simultaneous front and back scan using electromagnetic waves, similar to a low-level X-ray.

According to the manufacturer, Rapiscan, passengers can be scanned safely up to 5,000 times a year. They say a dental X-ray produces 20,000 times more radiation.

The scans show every contour of the body, including intimate areas, and also reveal body piercings, colostomy bags, false limbs and even breast enlargements.

Airport security officers inspect the images in a separate office, away from the scanner, to reduce the potential embarrassment for passengers.

If the scan is clear the whole process should take around 20 seconds, and the image is then deleted. If security officers see anything suspect, the passenger is searched.

Officials have said the images cannot be stored or captured, but the scheme has led to fears that scans of celebrities could be leaked on to the internet.

Civil rights campaigners have expressed fears that the scans are too intrusive and could prove offensive, particularly for Muslim women. Security officers at Manchester have been warned not to scan under-18s over fears that the legislation could lead to them facing criminal charges.

There have been no known terrorism arrests at Manchester since the trial began in October. It is not known if the machines have been used to detect other offences at the airport.

When the trial ends in ten months, the Government will decide if the scanners should be used nationwide.

In the scheme, passengers can opt not to have a full body scan and to go through a traditional metal detector and 'pat-down' search instead.

But critics have questioned how useful an 'optional' search is, and whether it would be feasible if the scanners are installed permanently.

The Home Secretary said the Government would weigh the privacy and cost issues against national security.




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I would gladly be scanned - only the security people see it. Not like it is viewed on a big screen for everyone to see. Can't see what the fuss is all about. Shame we need this kind of security measure but better safe than sorry.

- Tara, Ealing, 29/12/2009 09:48
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Airports and flying are already a nightmare experience, this would be the end for me!

I have already decided to take only holidays in future that I can access by rail or ship from Southampton!

A few nice days away are already ruined by the chaos at the beginning of the journey and the misery repeats itself on the way back. What on earth is the point. Stay at home, holiday nearby, its much nicer anyway!

- reece, cambs, 29/12/2009 09:45
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Put a scan of the officer performing my scan where I can see it and I'll be perfectly happy to reciprocate. Do as you would be done by and fair's fair and all that.

- Shire-Reeve, Abroad, 29/12/2009 09:44
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Sorry but body scanning should be made COMPULSORY for ALL individuals boarding planes, boats etc or passing through ANY international borders, full stop!! I am all for it, and for children too. If you object to this then you can't travel.
Security must be tight to deter these fanatics from ruining the world.

I have nothing to hide so am 100% behind it.

- Chris, Spain, 29/12/2009 09:37
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Scan away and stuff political correctness, I'd rather be safe!

- Cicero, Ryde, UK, 29/12/2009 09:37
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I am not happy with the idea as the examples that are shown in the papers are not the actual pictures that result, which are much more explicit. However in the interests of public safety, my safety and the safety of my family and friends, I would just smile for the camera and get on the plane.

- Giovanna, Rome, Italy, 29/12/2009 09:31
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