Lois Larson
Airport body scanners are designed to detect metallic and non-metallic threat items, such as weapons and explosives. While the machines are there for safety, they may make you feel uncomfortable, especially given the rumours that they can see your naked body and private parts. So, can airport scanners see your private parts? The short answer is yes, they can. Backscatter passenger scanners, which were installed in U.S. airports in 2010, produced images that resembled chalk etchings of the human body and were deemed digital strip searches. However, these scanners were removed by 2013 due to privacy concerns and replaced with scanners that produce cartoon-like images. While the machines still see everything, the images are processed by a computer and are not shown to humans. Instead, any suspect areas are highlighted on a generic body image.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Alerting TSOs to threats, mainly weapons, or items in violation of TSA carry-on rules |
| Technology | Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) |
| Type of scanner | Backscatter scanners, Millimeter-wave scanners |
| Scanner output | Negative image of the body, "chalk etching", "cartoon-like" image |
| Privacy concerns | Deemed "digital strip searches", removed from US airports in 2013 |
| Alternative screening | Pat-down screening |
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What You'll Learn
- Backscatter scanners were removed from US airports in 2013
- TSA agents see a generic body image with suspect areas highlighted
- The computer sees everything, but this is never shown to humans
- The machines use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) for full-body scans
- You can refuse a body scanner and opt for a pat-down screening
Backscatter scanners were removed from US airports in 2013
Airport body scanners are designed to detect metallic and non-metallic threat items, such as weapons, chemicals, liquids, and explosives. They are also capable of detecting drugs, currency, and contraband. While these scanners are there for safety, they have raised concerns about privacy, with some critics labelling them "virtual strip searches".
Backscatter X-ray scanners, in particular, have been a source of controversy. These scanners can produce photo-quality images of what's underneath a person's clothes, leading to concerns about privacy and the violation of confidential medical information. Software implementations have been designed to distort private areas, but journalists have expressed concern that this blurring may allow people to carry weapons or explosives by attaching them to their genitals.
In the United States, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 required that all full-body scanners operated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) use "Automated Target Recognition" software, which replaces the image of a nude body with a cartoon-like representation. As a result, all backscatter X-ray machines previously used by the TSA were removed from airports by May 2013. The TSA stated that the vendor, Rapiscan, did not meet the contractual deadline to implement the software. There were 250 backscatter machines removed from U.S. airports, and travelers now go through full-body scans that use radio waves and produce less detailed imaging.
While the removal of backscatter scanners from U.S. airports addressed privacy concerns, it is important to note that other forms of screening, such as pat-down searches, may still involve intimate checks of sensitive areas. Additionally, as of 2025, some countries continue to use backscatter X-ray machines in their airports.
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TSA agents see a generic body image with suspect areas highlighted
Airport body scanners are designed to detect metallic and non-metallic threat items, such as weapons and explosive materials. They use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and Automated Target Recognition (ATR) software to display a generic outline of a person, highlighting any areas that may require additional screening. This generic outline will be identical for all passengers.
The TSA claims that the ATR software will eliminate the need for anyone to see naked images of travellers, and strict privacy standards have been implemented to protect passenger privacy. The software is designed to detect anomalies on travellers' bodies, and when an anomaly is detected, the area is highlighted in red on the displayed generic image. TSA agents viewing the whole-body images will see only this generic human image instead of an image of a traveller's naked body.
While the actual people monitoring the scans don't see much of anything, a computer processes the scan and overlays any items it finds onto a generic "Ken doll"-like image of a person. The computer sees everything and could probably count your pubic hairs, but this information is never shown to any human at the TSA.
If a passenger opts out of the body scanner, they can receive another form of screening, such as a pat-down screening. This will be conducted by an officer of the same sex as the passenger, who will use the back of their hands for pat-downs over sensitive areas of the body.
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The computer sees everything, but this is never shown to humans
Airport body scanners are used to detect metallic and non-metallic threat items, such as weapons and explosives. They use a technology called Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) for full-body scans at airport checkpoints.
While the machines are there for safety, they may make some people uncomfortable, especially given rumours that they can see more than what is shown on the monitors, such as your naked body or private parts.
According to a TSA spokesperson, R. Carter Langston, the models in the US don't show raw image data to anyone. Instead, they use automated target recognition: any suspect area will be highlighted as a yellow box drawn over a generic body image. In other words, a computer processes the scan and overlays any items it finds onto a generic "Ken doll" image of a person.
Indeed, the computer does "see everything". It could probably count your pubic hairs. But that is never shown to any human at TSA.
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The machines use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) for full-body scans
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) is used for full-body scans at airport checkpoints. This technology was introduced over a decade ago to enhance security screening operations. The R&S®QPS quick personnel scanner is an example of a machine that uses AIT. It is designed to make people screening faster, more effective, and comfortable. The R&S®QPS scanner has a sleek, space-saving design that can be seamlessly integrated into the checkpoint area. Its open design gives security personnel an unobstructed view of the entire checkpoint.
AIT machines use either millimeter wave or backscatter imaging technology to visualize the body of a passenger and any objects that may be concealed under their clothing. Millimeter wave technology has the added benefit of using non-ionizing radiation and emitting far less electromagnetic energy than a modern mobile phone or Wi-Fi router. It also operates at a much higher frequency than legacy AIT technologies, resulting in a much higher scan resolution of approximately 1.9 mm.
In the past, AIT machines displayed an image of the person's naked body, which raised privacy concerns. However, today, most machines show a generic or cartoon-like representation of a person's body. While the machines can detect items on your body, they do not display intimate body parts in detail.
It is important to note that passengers can decline full-body scanner screening and opt for a physical pat-down or removal of clothing. However, TSA staff may still require certain passengers to undergo the full-body scanner screening.
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You can refuse a body scanner and opt for a pat-down screening
Airport body scanners are used to detect any "metallic and non-metallic threat items" and alert the TSO (Transportation Security Officer) to these threats. While the machines are there for safety, you can refuse to go through an airport body scanner and opt for a pat-down screening instead.
If you choose to opt out of the body scanner, a TSA agent will walk you through the process. You will be asked to identify your bags and personal items, and then you will be patted down by a TSA agent. The pat-down involves a TSO physically checking your body from head to toe, which may include an intimate check of breasts, groin, and buttocks. You can request a private room for the screening, although they are typically done near the checkpoint.
It is important to remain polite and respectful when refusing the body scanner, as being aggressive or rude may result in you being flagged as a disruptive passenger. Additionally, some travellers have expressed concerns about the conveyor belt procedure, where bags and personal items are expected to be passed through without the owner present. To address this, it is recommended to keep important items like credit cards, passports, and driver's licenses on your person.
While the body scanners are designed to protect your privacy, some travellers may still feel uncomfortable with the level of detail they reveal. You have the right to opt out and choose an alternative screening method that makes you feel more comfortable.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport body scanners are designed to detect metallic and non-metallic threat items, such as weapons and explosives. While the machines do scan your entire body, the image produced is overlaid onto a generic body image, so your private parts cannot be seen.
Yes, you can refuse to go through an airport body scanner, and instead opt for a pat-down screening. However, this will be conducted by a TSO (Transport Security Officer) and may include an intimate check of your breasts/groin/buttocks.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of radiation received from a backscatter machine is equal to the amount of cosmic radiation received during two minutes of flight, and the risk of health effects is very low.
