The Official Rape is Never Justified, Inc. Tumblr!
How many people travel by airplanes? I remember back in the day when we did not have to walk through security to fly on an airplane. I do not mind security and I very rarely complain about having to go through the process, but when my privacy and health are in jeopardy I have to think about all my alternatives. The whole health issue behind the security checkpoint at airports is kind of old news. Remember hearing about radiation exposure? So I am not going to talk about the health issues behind the different types of scanners and detectors, but I do want to talk about the privacy side of them. According to the Transportation Security Administration, TSA, website (http://www.tsa.gov/approach/tech/ait/index.shtm) there are 540 Advanced Imaging Technology (body scanners) units at more than 100 airports. I have however seen many different numbers from many different sites, so it is hard to say they actual number for the current date. The units were first placed in airports in 2007. This initial unit showed the TSA officers a ‘nude’ image. Is it completely necessary for the officers to see the individual’s naked body to detect if they are carrying anything illegal for travels? During this time, the controversy was not so much on the health risks but rather the privacy risks. The public called these units virtual rape machines and rape scanner. The ‘naked’ images were not to be saved but in many cases they were saved. Recently, technology has improved to show a generic body outline rather than the full ‘naked’ image. But how do you know if the scanner you are about to walk through has this newer technology? This will take research on your part and of course you could always ask the TSA. Also, on the TSA website, they state that the new technology only shows the body outline for all individuals that may have any potentially threatening items. Otherwise the machine would default to a green screen that states ‘ok’. Are you excited about traveling by an airplane now? Well there are always alternatives. Most often, metal detectors are still available at airports for use during the checkpoint process. If the metal detectors are not active and the TSA is only using the Advanced Imaging Technology, then you still can opt out and receive the pat-down search. All of these can be a annoying but it definitely makes your travels safe (not always healthy). January 6, 2012
