Hot Topic (12/30): Does this scanner invade your privacy?

[Cafe GroupAdmin]

Sunport Scanner Causes Controversy
Full Body Scanner At Select Airports

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- Full body scanners are only at select airports including one in Albuquerque International Sunport.

 

The machines are controversial as people complain about their privacy. But some travelers said they welcome it, especially after the failed Christmas Day attack.

 

After Christmas, the Sunport didn't look much different than years past, but some travelers admit there's tension in the air.

 

"A little concern, but I just trust that things will be OK," said one traveler.

 

After the foiled terrorist attack, these scanners are in the spotlight. Millimeter wave detection is body imaging technology designed to detect characteristics of explosives.

 

"I don't think I've ever gone into one before," a traveler said.

 

According to the TSA, there are only 40 of these machines at 19 different airports in the U.S. At the Sunport, the technology was put into use in 2007," said

 

"We can see pretty much down to the skin anything that is on your body," a TSA agent said. "And it is a very needed technology with the threat we see today with IEDs, explosives."

 

But some said it's an invasion of privacy. One traveler said he is willing to use it, but brought up a common concern.

 

"I guess I will worry about it when I start seeing pictures downloaded on the Internet that they catch," one traveler said.

 

TSA insists protections are in place captured images are not saved and facial features are blurred.

 

"It doesn't bother me. It is helping out really, if you think about it," said one traveler. "I think it is one of those necessary evils of our modern day society I guess and it just comes with the territory."

 

In addition to privacy, some said they worry about radiation. The TSA reports the radio waves the scanners emit are 10,000 times less powerful than your average cell phone.

 

Travelers who don't want to use the machine can be subject to a pat down instead.

 

While there are just 40 full-body scanners in use across the country right now, the TSA said it has 110 new machines.

* * *

What do you think about this scanner?

Does it invade your privacy?

Would you use this scanner or ask for a "pat down" instead?

[cmb121906]

I would use one. I guess I am missing how this is an invasion of privacy.

[tericared]

I would ask for a pat down, but dont think this is an invasion of privacy...... 

[tashntim]

I'd welcome this. Don't see it as a violation as privacy at all. I think it's a big leap to assume these images would be downloaded to the internet. 

*If someone wants to hide something, wouldn't they just choose the pat down? I wonder how thorough they are.

[Mandipants]

Eh.

I'm not sure it isn't reactionary, but I don't think it's an invasion of privacy-it's not mandatory to use air transport as your means of transportation. It's also a bit of a leap to assume that anyone would want to take pictures of the general public and post it on the internet with blurred features. How would anyone even know it was you anyway? It is a bit of an assumption to think that anyone cares about your image that much.

I'd have to do some more research on the radiation aspect, but I don't think I'd ask for a pat down.

[allycally]

If i had to pick between a scan or a pat down i pick the scan. As long as it is done by competent,professional minded people that arent going to "share" your image I wouldnt care what they see. its all just flesh anyway. 

[rfourangels]

Fine by me, I'd have no problem with the scanner. I don't think the pat down is anywhere as effective. I do wonder though if the scanner would catch powder, or things like that. I wonder if it can tell that there are things in body orifaces- that seems to be quite a concern now.

If it is part of being safe, I think some privacy things we need to give up, or don't fly.

As for the concerns about pregnant women, I'm not sure- other than don't fly, and that doesn't quite seem right either. But, if you think about suicide bombers, I don't think they'd care if they were pregnant...

[bakebiscotti]

I don't think it'd bother me so long as the image isn't facing the general public

[katy_kay]

From the images that have been shown it really seems to expose a great deal of a person's body.  I find that too invasive.  First I would not have to stand naked in the security line so why should my entire body be exposed to all those people waiting to clear security.  I also wonder about the amount of radiation they emit. 

[morningdove831]

I have no problem with it, so long as the scanner image faces only the TSA officers and not the general public waiting in line behind me.  If it makes my flight safer and helps prevent incidents like the one on Christmas Day, then I'd do it.  People who don't like it can opt not to fly.  If an overseas trip is required by a person's employer, then the employee can choose to submit to the screening or quit their job to avoid it. 

We live in a wonderful country where we have so much freedom.  However, sometimes people let the fact that we have almost unlimited civil liberties override the fact that sometimes we have to do something for the greater good of society as a whole, even though sometimes it may seem a little invasive.  Without some security measures and rules, anarchy would ensue. 

I'm all for taking whatever security measures necessary to ensure a flight is safe - especially if I, or my child or loved one, is on said flight.   

[Talee]

 It doesnt really bother me....

Would be pretty embarrassing for them to see your "down there" peircings or tampons or pads though....lol...

Oh and hey...dont forget to take that butt plug out!