The TSA knows you're naked under your clothes
New "whole body imaging" (or millimeter wave machines) to be set up at JFK and LAX can tell what's under your clothes. Talk about motivation for clean underpants.
The Transportation Security Administration has been testing the machines in Phoenix and is all set to expand to other airports. But don't worry -- travelers at JFK who wore their grannies and don't want anyone to know have the option of a pat-down instead. Travelers at LAX will pass through regular security and then be randomly chosen for the body scan.
Which would you prefer?
Filed under: North America, United States, Airports
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Apr 16th 2008 @ 9:46AM
Dave said...
I think I'll take a pat down, 5 years from now we'll find out this machine causes cancers and diminishes sperm counts. No thanks. I'd rather be paranoid about this machine than sorry.
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Apr 16th 2008 @ 11:30AM
skimmer said...
I'd rather be felt up than ogled.
Reply
Apr 16th 2008 @ 1:04PM
sgoralnick said...
i was selected for one of these "special scans" at heathrow last month. i was curious so i asked them if i could see what the pictures looked like and it was totally me, naked, from every angle, but with a bald head. totally creepy.
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Apr 16th 2008 @ 1:14PM
Emma Leigh said...
I worked for the TSA when the agency took over from private companies in 2002 as a baggage screener. We were given a demonstration of this imaging machine. The images appear like black and white charcoal renderings of naked bodies. The resolution can be blurred or fine tuned. Most of the people in the group expressed concern that this technology could be exploited in a very bad way. Sure, there shoud be professional decorum and no one should abuse the equipment, but come on now - let's get real.
I believe the flying public have a very real concern over being subjected to this device, especially people in the entertainment industry, etc, who have cameras trained on them every minute of the day. I can imagine a tabloid rag would be willing to pay a fortune for a cell phone pic of a shot of JLo going through the imager and let's face it - TSA screeners aren't paid a great deal.
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Apr 16th 2008 @ 2:36PM
Catherine said...
Wow -- it's fascinating that the images are actually of your body. I was picturing more of an x-ray sort of image. I wonder, if passengers could see their images (because I'm guessing most have the same assumptions as I did) would they be more likely to choose a pat-down? I think I would!
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Apr 16th 2008 @ 2:55PM
Michael 8-) said...
I thought they're SUPPOSED to have the screens shielded from the public when implemented here in the States at worst, and even in separate rooms at best. And while there's obviously room for unprofessional behavior, why should we expect this to be any different than undressing in front of a medical professional?
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