Airport security stuns people with what they saw when passengers walked through the X-ray machine.
On social media, many viewers were stunned by a viral video revealing the shocking history of airport X-ray scanners.
Airport security is often a stressful experience, from unpacking belongings to enduring body scans.
However, revelations about what older X-ray scanners used to display have left people horrified.
These scanners, once known for their intrusive images, sparked major backlash and earned nicknames like “virtual strip searches.”
The introduction of Rapiscan X-ray scanners raised privacy concerns
In the early 2010s, the Rapiscan X-ray scanners were introduced in airports across the United States.
These scanners were deployed after a 2009 bombing attempt, costing $180,000 each in U.S. airports. Image Credits: @greendaylover44/X
These machines offered an unprecedented level of detail, revealing uncensored images of passengers’ entire bodies.
The scanners were rolled out by the TSA after the 2009 Christmas Day bombing attempt. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab had tried to detonate explosives hidden in his underwear during a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit.
To address this security threat, the TSA installed 174 scanners in 30 airports across the U.S., costing $180,000 per machine. By 2013, similar scanners were introduced in UK airports, sparking widespread outrage.
Backlash over privacy and intrusive images
The detailed body scans shocked travelers, as they revealed everything from body shapes to intimate anatomy. Critics labeled the scanners as intrusive and unnecessary.
Social media was flooded with comments from outraged passengers.
One person said: I’d rather that than get my giblets fondled in fairness
A second wrote: Viagra 2 hours pre airport..at least go in proud !!
While a third commented: I always get blood in it before I step into it feeling like a man
Another added: Detection is important. than seeing pictures of the body.
Someone else said: I’ve got screws in my shoulder distanzers and metal plates in my back. And a brand new knee! They pass a sort of metal detector around ne, and then look very sad!
Another user commented: I have a knee replacement and always set off the alarm , then I get frisked
The controversy grew as passengers expressed their discomfort with the invasive technology.
The remobal of Rapiscan scanners due to privacy issues
By 2013, the TSA faced mounting criticism for privacy violations. The Rapiscan machines failed to meet updated standards, specifically their inability to integrate Automated Target Recognition (ATR) software.
ATR software was designed to create generic, non-intrusive outlines rather than detailed body images. Without this feature, the machines were deemed unsuitable for use.
The TSA replaced the Rapiscan scanners with millimeter-wave scanners. These newer machines generate generic outlines to flag potential threats, offering enhanced privacy for travelers.
Reactions to the history of invasive scans
For travelers who missed this period in airport security, learning about these scans has been shocking.
One stunned Twitter user wrote, “I thought X-ray meant you could only see bones.”
Another joked, “Guess I’ll be tucking my junk next time, just in case.”
Researcher Shawna Malvini Redden explained the evolution of the scanners. She noted, “Early versions came out without any privacy protections. Now, machines generate generic images instead of passengers’ unique body images.”
Today’s millimeter-wave scanners are less invasive, but airport security remains a hassle for many travelers. While the days of overly intrusive scans are over, the memories of the old systems still shock those who learn about them.
Airport security has come a long way since the controversial days of Rapiscan X-ray scanners.
Modern systems prioritize both safety and privacy, ensuring a more respectful experience for travelers.
However, the legacy of these invasive machines serves as a reminder of the fine balance between security measures and personal privacy.