Full Body Scan to Uncover More of You

You already have to take off your shoes, belt and jacket. But wait, there’s more. From now on, you’ll be asked to spread those legs, raise those arms and practically get ready for a full-body pat down.

Airport security has come to this: A full body scan.

Federal authorities must do something to close the security gaps that became public knowledge after the Christmas Day terrorist attack on board a Northwest airliner failed. Someone failed to effectively do their job in screening this alleged terrorist, the net result seems to be multiplying the number of imaging machines at the nation’s biggest airports. That means, everything you would hope to keep private will now be revealed.

TSA currently has 40 units in use at 19 airports, including Reagan National and Baltimore-Washington International. Recently, TSA ordered 150 more to be installed early this year, and have secured funding for an additional 300.

So, say you’re flying somewhere in the United States and are selected for a full-body scan. You can decline, but what you will get instead is a full-body pat down. You know, the same kind a suspected burglar or criminal gets when they’re taken to county jail.

The idea of a pat-down search is as revolting as a virtual strip search.

How much compliance is too much? The government has gone too far. The full-body scanners may, or may not, catch any criminals but one thing for certain, it does subject the rest of the flying public to an invasion of personal privacy.

It’s intrusive, but you’d better get used to it.

I’m all for security, but this measure is beyond acceptable limits. I’ve seen the full-body scan at work at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, and trust me, it works very well. The person viewing the scan can see, virtually everything. It’s a completely new twist on invasion of privacy and virtual porn.

The Netherlands, which is a magnificent place to visit and pass through, will require that all U.S.-bound passengers pass through full-body scanners before boarding flights. Airports in Britain also will introduce the technology.

I suppose the idea of having nothing to hide should provide some comfort, but a terrorist will simply introduce a “booty bomb” where it’s actually inserted inside the body, then detonate the explosive with a cell phone.

You see, it’s a little more complicated than a privacy issue.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.