Jazmin Li
Full-body scanners at airports have been a topic of controversy, with many passengers opting out of the technology due to health, privacy, and cost concerns. While the scanners are not mandatory, opting out results in alternative security procedures, such as a full-body pat-down, which some travellers may find invasive. The effectiveness of the scanners has also been questioned, with reports suggesting they can be easily bypassed by those with malicious intent. Despite the controversy, some travellers opt out as a personal protest against the use of such technology, citing concerns about radiation exposure and the balance between security and privacy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Mandatory | No |
| Alternative | Metal detectors, physical screening, pat-down |
| Health concerns | Radiation exposure |
| Privacy concerns | Visual deterrent, personal protest |
| Cost | $150,000 per scanner |
| Effectiveness | Not proven to prevent terror attacks, false positives |
| Constitutionality | Violates Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches |
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What You'll Learn
- Health concerns: radiation exposure and privacy
- Ineffective: they are easily foiled and have a high false-positive rate
- Cost: they are expensive and may not be worth the money
- Alternative security procedures: you will still be screened and may face an enhanced' pat-down
- Constitutional rights: the Fourth Amendment's provisions against unreasonable searches are at odds with the use of scanners
Health concerns: radiation exposure and privacy
Full-body scanners at airports have been a topic of controversy, with some people choosing to opt out of using them due to health and privacy concerns. The two types of full-body scanners used in airports are backscatter technology units and millimeter-wave technology units. Both scanners emit radiation, but the levels and types vary. Backscatter technology units emit low levels of backscatter X-ray ionizing radiation, while millimeter-wave technology units emit non-ionizing radiation in the form of low-level radio waves.
Millimeter-wave technology does not use X-rays and does not add to a person's ionizing radiation dose. This technology uses low-energy non-ionizing radiation that releases thousands of times less energy than a cell phone. The health risks posed by millimeter-wave scanners are still being studied, but they do not generate ionizing radiation. On the other hand, X-ray scanners are associated with more significant health concerns, and their use is regulated by ANSI 43.17.2009, which limits the dose on a per-person basis.
Some people choose to opt out of full-body scanners due to concerns about radiation exposure. While the radiation emitted by these scanners is generally considered safe, some individuals may prefer to minimize their exposure as a precaution. Additionally, there are privacy concerns associated with full-body scanners. Some argue that using a full-body scanner is equivalent to a strip search and violates basic human rights. The scanners can detect prosthetics, medical equipment, and other personal items, which may lead to embarrassment or harassment, particularly for the transgender community.
If you opt out of a full-body scanner at an airport, you will typically undergo an alternative security procedure, such as a full-body pat-down by a same-sex agent. It is important to note that opting out may not exempt you from all forms of scanning, as some airports may still require you to undergo a different type of screening, such as a metal detector or physical inspection.
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Ineffective: they are easily foiled and have a high false-positive rate
Airport body scanners are ineffective because they are easily foiled and have a high false-positive rate. Firstly, they are easily fooled or outwitted. According to several reports, it is not difficult to sneak weapons or explosives through a full-body scanner. For instance, respected security technologist Bruce Schneier claims that body scanners simply don't work. This is supported by a German TV clip, which demonstrates how the scanners failed to detect thermite and various plastics/liquids concealed on a person's body. Thermite is a composite metal powder and oxide that burns at extremely high temperatures, is difficult to extinguish, and emits dangerous ultraviolet light during the reaction—making it a highly undesirable substance to bring onto a plane.
Furthermore, Tory MP Ben Wallace has warned that airport body scanners would likely fail to detect the different types of explosive devices used by terrorists. This is echoed by Wallace, a former overseas director for defence firm Qinetiq, who was involved in developing the scanner technology. He stated that the technology probably wouldn't have detected the liquid explosive used by Abdulmutallab on Flight 253 from Schiphol airport.
Additionally, airport body scanners have a high false-positive rate. A report in Germany showed that the machines had a false-positive rate of over 50% due to the machine flagging benign substances like sweat as an area of concern.
In conclusion, airport body scanners are ineffective because they can be easily fooled by those intending to cause harm, and they generate a high number of false alarms for harmless substances. These issues raise serious concerns about the effectiveness of airport body scanners in enhancing security and preventing potential threats.
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Cost: they are expensive and may not be worth the money
The cost of full-body scanners is a significant factor to consider when discussing the implementation of this technology in airports. These scanners are considerably more expensive than traditional metal detectors, with a single full-body scanner costing around $150,000 compared to approximately $30,000 for a metal detector. This price difference raises questions about the cost-effectiveness of full-body scanners, especially when considering their limitations and potential false positives.
While full-body scanners aim to enhance security, they are not perfect and do not guarantee the complete prevention of security threats. Additionally, there have been concerns about the high rate of false positives with these scanners. For example, a report from Germany indicated that the machines flagged items like "sweat" as areas of concern, resulting in an over 50% false positive rate. This not only causes unnecessary delays but also raises questions about the reliability of the technology.
The cost of operating and maintaining full-body scanners is another consideration. These machines require trained personnel to operate and interpret the scans, which can be time-consuming and labour-intensive. Additionally, the scanners may require regular software updates, maintenance, and repairs, further adding to the overall cost of ownership.
Furthermore, the cost of replacing or upgrading the scanners should be taken into account. Technology becomes obsolete quickly, and airports may need to invest in newer models or alternative security measures to stay effective. This continuous investment in new technology can be a significant financial burden for airports and governing bodies.
In conclusion, while full-body scanners aim to enhance security, the high cost of these machines, coupled with their limitations and potential for false positives, raises questions about their overall value and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, travellers and authorities must carefully consider the cost implications and weigh them against the potential benefits of implementing full-body scanners in airports.
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Alternative security procedures: you will still be screened and may face an enhanced' pat-down
While you can opt out of the full-body scanner, you will still be screened and may face an enhanced pat-down. This is a more thorough physical inspection of the head, neck, arms, torso, legs, and feet, including sensitive areas such as breasts, groin, and buttocks. The officer will explain the procedure and advise you of the steps before they are taken. The pat-down requires sufficient pressure to detect any threat items, and areas may be checked more than once.
If you opt out, inform the agent at the checkpoint, and they will ask you to step aside and wait for an agent of the same sex to become available. This usually takes around five minutes, but it can take longer. Once an agent is available, they will open the gate and take you through to the other side of the security barrier, asking you to point out your luggage.
Pat-downs are also required for those with medical conditions or devices that alarm during screening. This includes bandages, compression sleeves, or dressings, which are subject to additional screening, including a hand-held metal detector test. If you have a medical device, you may request assistance from a supervisor or Passenger Support Specialist (PSS) upon arrival at the checkpoint.
In some cases, additional screening involving a sensitive area pat-down with the front of the hand may be needed to determine that a threat does not exist. You may request a private screening at any time, which will be accompanied by a second officer of the same sex.
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Constitutional rights: the Fourth Amendment's provisions against unreasonable searches are at odds with the use of scanners
The Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. However, airport security measures, including the use of scanners, have raised questions about potential violations of these constitutional rights. While some argue that airport searches are necessary for security and fall under government compelling interest, others view them as an invasion of privacy.
Under Federal Law, all passengers may be required to undergo a full-body scanner search or opt for a thorough pat-down by a TSA agent. While passengers can decline the scanner, they may face long wait times, potentially missing their flights. This situation becomes a matter of debate regarding the Fourth Amendment. The amendment requires that a person must have a ""reasonable expectation of privacy"" for a search to fall under its scope. Airplane passengers are generally considered to have a lower expectation of privacy due to security concerns.
The courts have not set a clear limit on the reasonableness of airport searches, and the Fourth Amendment does not explicitly apply to TSA searches. Passengers provide implied consent to be searched as a condition of entering secure airport areas and boarding planes. However, the line between consent and coercion blurs when considering the necessity of flying. Additionally, suspicionless checkpoint searches are permissible under the Fourth Amendment when a court finds a balance between the public interest served, the advancement of public interest, and the interference with individual liberty.
The use of advanced searches, such as biometric scanners, further complicates the discussion. In some cases, passengers have been subjected to extensive searches based solely on their names, which is illegal according to the Fourth Amendment. While courts are divided on the consent-based rationale, the amendment does not state that consent eliminates its protections. Therefore, the balance between security interests and individual privacy rights remains a critical aspect of the discussion surrounding airport scanners and the Fourth Amendment.
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Frequently asked questions
Airport scanners use X-ray technology to see underneath clothing, which may be beaming radiation directly into your body. While health and privacy concerns are said to be minimal, the long-term effects of this technology are yet to be known.
If you opt out of a full-body scanner, you will receive a full-body pat-down instead. This involves a TSA agent touching your torso, rubbing the inside of your legs, and feeling the back of your neck and arms.
Critics argue that airport scanners violate the Fourth Amendment's provisions against unreasonable searches. They are also said to be a huge waste of taxpayer money, costing around $150,000 compared to $30,000 for a metal detector.
To opt out of the airport scanner, inform the TSA agent at the checkpoint. They will ask you to step out of the way and wait for a same-sex agent to become available to pat you down.
