After it was revealed what security could see, airports were compelled to implement significant changes to their x-ray machines to address privacy concerns.
In the mid-2010s, airports had to make significant changes to their X-ray machines after the shocking details they revealed about passengers became public.
These changes were prompted by concerns about privacy and the intrusive nature of the scans.
The controversial introduction of X-ray scanners
In the early 2010s, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) introduced new X-ray scanners at airports in the US, which were soon adopted in the UK.
The scanners were designed to improve security by revealing hidden threats. However, the level of detail they displayed was far more revealing than many anticipated.
Initially, these scanners were installed in response to the 2009 Christmas Day bombing attempt, where a passenger tried to detonate a bomb concealed in his underwear.
The TSA hoped the new machines would prevent such incidents. But instead, passengers were shocked to learn how much the machines could actually see.
How the X-ray scanners violated privacy
The X-ray machines showed far more than expected. They provided security officers with uncensored body scans that left little to the imagination.
Shawna Malvini Redden, a communications researcher, explained that early versions of these machines lacked privacy protections.
This meant that security officers could potentially view naked images of passengers as they went through screening.
The backlash and removal of the scanners
The public reaction to the scanners was immediate and intense.
Passengers labeled the machines “virtual strip searches,” and the backlash grew louder. In 2013, the TSA was forced to remove these machines after they failed to meet privacy standards.
The $180,000 machines were replaced with millimeter-wave scanners that are still in use today.
The issue stemmed from the scanners’ inability to integrate new software that would create less invasive images.
The TSA demanded that Rapiscan, the company behind the scanners, implement Automated Target Recognition (ATR) software.
However, Rapiscan was unable to meet the deadline, leading the TSA to terminate part of its contract with the company.
The new X-ray machines: Less invasive, more efficient
The new millimeter-wave scanners generate outlines of the body, replacing the detailed images from the previous machines. These outlines, accompanied by a green “clear” or red “stop and check” signal, allow for more efficient and less invasive security screening.
Redden explained that the new system makes it easier for security officers to identify potential threats without violating privacy.
If a person has something in their pocket, the scanner will trigger an alarm at the relevant location. Additionally, this helps officers know where to search without revealing any personal details.
The shift away from the original X-ray scanners marked a significant change in airport security.
While the newer machines are still effective, they offer much less detail, ensuring privacy while maintaining safety.
In short, these changes reflect the ongoing balance between security needs and passengers’ right to privacy.