Airport X-Rays: Can They See Private Parts?

Airport security systems use metal detectors, backscatter X-ray machines, millimetre-wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines to ensure the safety of travellers. In the US and Canada, full-body scanners do not reveal a person's naked body or their insides. Instead, security staff see a generic human shape with no specific identifying features. However, older backscatter X-ray technology, which was phased out in the US by 2013, produced an image that resembled a chalk etching and revealed people's private parts.

Full-body scanners replaced by less revealing technology in the US and Canada

Full-body scanners have been a common feature of airport security in the US and Canada for many years. However, concerns have been raised about the level of detail revealed in these scans, including passengers' private parts, leading to a shift towards less revealing technology.

In the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has faced criticism and even lawsuits over its use of full-body scanners, particularly the backscatter X-ray variety, which were deemed "digital strip searches" by some. The TSA defended the scanners, stating that the images could not be stored and were only seen by security workers who did not interact with the scanned passengers. Nevertheless, in 2013, the TSA removed the backscatter scanners from all US airports, replacing them with millimetre-wave scanners that produce a generic, cartoon-like outline of the person being scanned. This change addressed privacy concerns while still allowing for effective security screening.

Canada has followed a similar path. In 2013, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) indicated that they were testing automated target recognition software on their scanners, which would generate a stick figure image with highlighted areas that might need further inspection. This move came after the US decided to discontinue the use of more revealing scanners and reflected a commitment to ensuring passenger privacy while maintaining security.

The shift away from full-body scanners that reveal private parts towards less invasive technologies strikes a balance between security and privacy. This change ensures that travellers can feel more comfortable and secure while passing through airport security checkpoints in both countries.

Backscatter scanners deemed a digital strip search

Backscatter scanners, also known as "naked scanners", were previously used in airports to detect non-metallic weapons, explosives, and other threats that could be hidden under clothing. The technology used low-level X-rays to create a reflection of the body displayed on a monitor, producing an image that resembled a "chalk etching".

However, these scanners were deemed controversial and were removed from US airports by 2013. Critics labelled them as "digital strip searches", citing privacy concerns as the scanners revealed an individual's naked body, including the form, shape, and size of private parts. Some also expressed health concerns about the low doses of radiation from the X-rays.

In response to the backlash, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) developed protocols to ensure that screeners who viewed the images never saw the passengers themselves. Additionally, Congress mandated that all body scanners be equipped with privacy-protecting software, leading to the phasing out of backscatter scanners.

Today, US airports use millimetre-wave technology, which does not emit X-rays and provides a less revealing, cartoon-like image of passengers. This technology respects passengers' privacy while still allowing for effective security screening.

Scanners can detect objects that arouse suspicion

Scanners used in airports can detect objects that arouse suspicion. While the technology behind these scanners is complex, the scanning process is relatively simple. X-rays are released from one side of the scanner and pass through the bag, calculating the mass and density of the contents. The X-rays that pass through the bag's contents have less energy than those that pass straight through the scanner.

The X-rays are then picked up by a pair of detectors on the opposite side of the scanner. The first detector records the energy and position of the X-rays, while the second detector collects only high-energy X-rays as the low-energy X-rays are blocked by a filter. By comparing the outputs of the two detectors, the machine constructs an image that shows the position of objects and their composition and density.

Organic materials such as paper, food, and explosives are marked in orange, while blue or green is used for metals and glass. The denser the material, the darker the colour. Security staff are trained to look for suspicious items, including obvious items like guns or knives, as well as components of improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

While scanners can detect objects that arouse suspicion, they do not reveal a person's private parts. In the past, backscatter X-ray scanners were used, which produced an image that resembled a "chalk etching" of the person's body. However, these scanners were removed from US airports by 2013 due to privacy concerns and were replaced by millimetre-wave technology, which offers a more cartoon-like image of the person.

Scanners can detect pills, regardless of packaging

Airport scanners can detect pills, regardless of packaging. Scanners can identify pills in both plastic and glass pill bottles, whether they are in carry-on or checked luggage. The scanners can also detect pills in liquid form, which must not exceed 3.4 ounces/100ml in carry-on baggage. Medically required liquids are exempt from this rule and are permitted to exceed the limit.

Airport scanners use X-ray technology to calculate the mass and density of luggage contents. They can detect metallic and non-metallic objects, as well as organic materials. While they cannot always identify the specific objects, they can indicate if an object is organic, metallic, or of high or low density. Organic materials such as drugs, food, explosives, or paper are marked in orange.

Although airport scanners can detect pills, passengers have the right to refuse an X-ray of their medication and request a visual inspection instead. This must be requested before the pills are sent through the X-ray machine. It is important to note that airport scanners cannot directly detect drugs. Instead, they create detailed images of luggage, which may prompt further investigation by security personnel if something appears suspicious.

In the past, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States used backscatter X-ray scanners, which produced detailed images of passengers' bodies, including private parts. However, due to privacy concerns, these scanners were replaced by millimetre-wave scanners, which create less revealing, cartoon-like images. Millimetre-wave technology does not emit X-rays and is considered safe for all passengers, including pregnant individuals.

Scanners can detect money, even if it's not bundled

Airport scanners are primarily designed to detect items that may pose a threat to aviation security, such as weapons, explosives, and contraband. However, they can also detect money, even if it is not bundled. Here's how:

X-ray Scanners

X-ray scanners are commonly used to inspect luggage at airports. When luggage passes through the scanner, its contents are displayed on a screen based on their density and material composition. Currency notes, especially in large amounts, have a distinctive appearance on X-ray images. They appear as stacks of uniform rectangular shapes, which can be easily distinguished from other items. Even if the money is not bundled, the individual notes can still create a recognisable pattern.

Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) Scanners

AIT scanners create detailed images of a passenger's body to detect concealed items. While not designed specifically for detecting cash, these scanners can reveal unusual bulges or shapes if a person is carrying large sums of money, which may prompt further inspection.

Metal Detectors

Although cash itself is not metallic, items associated with carrying money, such as money clips or the metal lining of a wallet, can trigger metal detectors.

Behavioural Indicators

Security personnel are trained to observe passenger behaviour for signs of nervousness or deception. Suspicious behaviour may lead to additional scrutiny and baggage checks, during which cash could be discovered.

Manual Inspections

If an X-ray image raises suspicions, security officers may conduct a manual inspection of the luggage, easily uncovering any hidden cash.

It is important to note that while airport scanners can detect money, they are not primarily used for this purpose. The primary goal of airport security is to ensure the safety of passengers and staff, not to invade privacy or conduct financial policing. However, when large amounts of cash are detected, security personnel must balance privacy concerns with legal obligations, as many countries have regulations regarding the transportation of large sums of money across borders.

Frequently asked questions