Airport Scanners: Do They See You Naked?

The use of full-body scanners at airports has raised concerns about privacy and human rights. While these scanners are intended to enhance security by detecting objects on or inside a person's body, they have been criticised for producing images of virtual strip searches, which some argue violate basic human rights and amount to child pornography if the scanned individual is a minor. However, it's important to note that newer machines use generic outlines of a human body rather than detailed images, and the operators viewing the scans are typically in separate rooms, unable to see the scanned individual. Additionally, passengers can often opt for a traditional pat-down instead of the full-body scan.

Airport scanners use X-ray or millimetre wave technology to detect objects

Airport security systems use a variety of technologies to ensure the safety of passengers. These include metal detectors, backscatter X-ray machines, millimetre wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines.

Millimetre wave scanners are whole-body imaging devices that use electromagnetic radiation to detect objects concealed under a person's clothing. They come in two varieties: active and passive. Active scanners direct millimetre wave energy at the subject and interpret the reflected energy, while passive systems create images using ambient radiation and radiation emitted from the human body or objects.

In active scanners, millimetre waves are transmitted from two antennas that rotate around the body. The waves reflect off the body and any objects, and the reflected energy is used to construct a three-dimensional image, which is displayed on a remote monitor for analysis. This image is a generic outline of a person, with any potential threats highlighted.

Millimetre wave scanners are considered safe for all passengers, including pregnant women, children, and those with medical implants. The technology emits non-ionising radiation, which has insufficient energy to cause mutations in DNA. The health risks associated with millimetre wave scanners are very low, and they emit far less energy than a mobile phone or the sun.

Backscatter X-ray machines, on the other hand, use low-energy X-rays that penetrate clothing and bounce off the skin and any concealed objects. These machines produce images that can reveal intimate details, leading to concerns about privacy. To address these concerns, some machines use automated target recognition (ATR) software, which displays potential threats on a generic body outline rather than a detailed image of the individual's body.

While millimetre wave scanners are effective at detecting metallic and non-metallic threats, they have been criticised for their high rate of false positives. Clothing folds, buttons, and sweat can sometimes be mistaken for suspicious objects.

In summary, airport scanners use millimetre wave or X-ray technology to detect objects concealed under clothing. These technologies differ in their image production methods and associated privacy concerns, but both play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of air travel.

Scanners can detect non-metal objects, like drugs in body cavities

Body scanners at airports are designed to detect both metallic and non-metallic objects. They use millimetre wave imaging technology, which is a special type of microwave, to scan for objects that could be concealed under clothing. This technology is safe, emitting 10,000 times less radiation than what is permitted by the standard cellphone.

The scanners use an Automatic Threat Recognition and Detection functionality to digitally scan for possible threats. If something is detected, the scanner will display a 'gingerbread man' image for the operator to review. The operator will then decide if a physical search is required.

While the scanners can detect non-metallic objects, they cannot see inside body cavities or underneath the skin. They also cannot detect items inside the body, such as drugs or tampons. If such items are in a person's pockets, however, they may be detected.

Body scanners are not mandatory, and passengers can opt for a traditional pat-down instead.

Scanners can flag anomalies, like binders worn by trans people

Airport body scanners use millimetre-wave imaging technology to flag objects that could be concealed under clothing. Scanners do not produce images that will be seen by humans. Instead, an Automatic Threat Recognition and Detection functionality digitally looks for possible threats. If any are detected, the scanner will display them on a 'gingerbread man' image for a human operator to review.

However, the scanners are designed to read cisgender bodies and will flag anomalies, such as binders worn by trans people. Binders are garments or cloths used to compress or minimise chest tissue to achieve a flatter or more traditionally masculine chest appearance. While binders can enable trans people to express themselves more authentically and support their self-esteem, identity affirmation, and mental health, they can also set off airport scanners.

Trans people may also be flagged by airport scanners for wearing packers, breast enhancements, wigs, or other gender-affirming articles. This can be embarrassing, time-consuming, and frustrating, and it poses a safety risk of being outed to other travellers. A ProPublica report found that from January 2016 to April 2019, 5% of civil rights complaints were related to transgender people being screened—a disproportionately high number, considering that transgender people make up about 1% of the U.S. population.

Trans people can opt for a pat-down instead of going through an Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machine. They can also ask for a private screening, and the pat-down must be performed by a person of the same gender identity. As a non-binary person, you can pick the gender of the person conducting the screening. You are also allowed to ask to talk to a supervisor at any time.

Scanners display a gingerbread man-like image to the operator, not a naked body

Scanners do not show a naked body, but rather a generic gingerbread man-like image, also described as a "nondescript avatar image of the human anatomy". This is to ensure the privacy of the person being scanned. The image is not detailed, and does not show nipples or genitalia, nor does it pick up size, weight, or height. It is a simple outline of a body, with a box representing the area where the scanner has picked up something.

The operator will only see the first screen if the scan is clear. If areas of threat are detected, a second screen will be displayed with the mannequin outline. The operator will then decide if a physical search is needed.

The scanner uses an Automatic Threat Recognition and Detection functionality to digitally look for possible threats. If any are detected, the scanner will display them on the gingerbread man-like image for the human operator to review. The operator will not see the actual image of the person being scanned.

The image is analysed from within the computer and will never be seen, transmitted, saved, or printed.

Scanners are mandatory for some passengers, but most can opt for a pat-down

Airport body scanners are a controversial topic, with some people raising concerns about health, privacy, and the effectiveness of the technology. While the scanners are mandatory for some passengers, most people can opt to undergo a pat-down instead.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US previously used backscatter scanners, which produced naked images of passengers. These scanners were deemed "digital strip searches" and were phased out by 2013 due to privacy concerns. The TSA now uses Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) or "millimetre wave" scanners, which are also known as "full-body imaging machines". These machines use electromagnetic waves or low-level X-rays to detect potential items hidden under clothing. The scanners create a generic, cartoon-like, or "gingerbread man" outline of a human body, with any potential areas of concern indicated in yellow or red.

Passengers who are uncomfortable with the scanners can opt out and request a pat-down instead. However, this may result in a more thorough physical inspection, including intimate areas. It is important to note that opting out of the scanners may raise curiosity among TSA officials and could make the security screening process longer. Additionally, passengers who are selected for "enhanced screening" may still be required to undergo AIT scanning.

In the UK, passengers are also allowed to opt out of body scanners and undergo an alternative method of screening, such as an enhanced hand search in private. Similarly, in Argentina, passengers can opt out of the scanners but will be subjected to a pat-down.

While the use of body scanners in airports is controversial, it is important to balance security, privacy, and efficiency. Passengers have the right to choose the screening method they are most comfortable with, and TSA agents are expected to treat all passengers with dignity and respect.

Frequently asked questions