Automated Imaging Technology or AIT is currently being used in some U.S. airports. These are also termed full-body scanners where passengers have to go through before boarding. This new technology is in addition to the customary pat-down where passengers have “body contact” with the airport security representative. Some contend that AIT is “better” compared with the pat-down, but a privacy rights advocate group does not believe so.
In Washington, this advocacy group approached the U.S. Court of Appeals judges. They told the court that the use of full-body scanners is an “unreasonable search” and in violation of a passenger’s civil rights. This machine is currently being used at airports as a first line of security at security checkpoints.
As a passenger passes through the full-body scanner, his naked figure is revealed. This is the main reason for such concern from the group. It could be safely surmised that although travelers have been spared from the physical contact, a more insidious one was replaced. The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) claims that the policy is “in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution”. In addition, it also violates “laws protecting privacy and religious freedom”.
In defense on the use of this modern equipment, the government responded that procedures are in place to defend the privacy of passengers. They clarified that a passengers’ identity is never made available to the “viewers” who are usually agents at airports. This, the government says, makes the search reasonable and “minimally invasive”. Then again, the truth to this matter is not yet clear.
EPIC has also explained to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to put on hold the use of such technology. TSA answered that, at present, almost 98 percent of travelers undergo full-body scanning without question. Just about 2 percent of passengers would opt out in favor of a pat-down. Attorney Marc Rotenberg of EPIC said it may well be likely that travelers do not know that they still have the pat-down as their alternative.
Even the judges themselves also expressed unease on how TSA uses its authorization to use the technology. One worry is the effect of the body scanner on individual travelers. What if one day, its damaging effects on people would be discovered? Why was the machine put into primary use without public consultation? Would it be used even if the level of security threat is too small to warrant?
There are a large number of threats when you travel. In addition to full body scanners, you also ought to be safe when you use a public hot spot to surf the Internet. Just like with body scanners, you have a choice. You can use an Anonymous Proxy to protect your online identity.