Controversy Over Full-Body Scanners

Controversy Over Full Body Scanners Having security inside an airport is a necessary and important safety precaution, but there is controversy as to how to achieve an effective airport screening system, and yet provide privacy to travelers. A recent national debate has arisen on the topic of installing new Full Body Scanners into airport security systems nationwide. The scanners are thought to be an invasion of privacy, have a very high cost, and are an ineffective security method. One of the key issues for the usage of full body scans is that it can be a major invasion of privacy to people being screened during the airport security process. For instance in the article “Debate Over Full Body Scans vs. Invasion of Privacy Flares After Incident,” the author John Schwartz explains that “images produced by the machine can be startlingly detailed”(1). So despite claims of “blurry and opaque images” they can in fact have the potential to become detailed images. This could potentially make the security process a humiliating experience and discourage some people from air travel. In another article by U.S.A today “Our View On Transportation Security: Airport Body Scanners Balance Safety and Privacy,” they found out that “TSA sought to buy scanners that can store and send images in test mode”(1). If the scanners that can store photos are utilized by airport security systems, then it is possible that the images could be copied or shared. People should not have to worry that their semi nude images are going to be shared, however slight the risk. Is it not true that travellers should feel comfortable during the check in process and not need to be concerned about a humiliating or undignified experience? Another important argument against the instillation of full body scanners is that they can be overly expensive relative to traditional screening methods. Jessica Ravidz supports this argument in her article “Airport Security Bares All, or does it?,” saying “ each