Jul 14, 2010

Full-body scanner backlash grows

Fliers cite health risks and privacy worries as opposition to full-body imaging machines is growing.

From a report at the link below:

Many frequent fliers complain they're time-consuming or invade their privacy. The world's airlines say they shouldn't be used for primary security screening. And questions are being raised about possible effects on passengers' health.

"The system takes three to five times as long as walking through a metal detector," says Phil Bush of Atlanta, one of many fliers on USA TODAY's Road Warriors panel who oppose the machines. "This looks to be yet another disaster waiting to happen."

The machines — dubbed by some fliers as virtual strip searches — were installed at many airports in March after a Christmas Day airline bombing attempt.

That was the time Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced that "the system worked."

As if to make up for Napolitano's embarrassing statement last January, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has spent more than $80 million for about 500 machines, including 133 now at airports. It plans to install about 1,000 by the end of next year.

The machines are running into complaints and questions here and overseas.

Link