Oct 8, 2007 6:23 pm US/Eastern
Virtual Strip Search? Controversial Scanner Coming To JFK
Majority Of Passengers Tell CBS 2 HD It Invades Privacy
Reporting
Lou Young
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Image of traveler screened by "backscatter" x-ray machine. The controversial devices will soon be in play at Kennedy Airport and LAX.
American Science and Engineering Inc, 2006/CBS
X-ray eyes at the airport. A controversial security screening machine that can see through your clothes is coming to JFK Airport.
CBS 2 HD gauged the interest at Kennedy on Monday and the reaction was emphatic: No way Jose.
"I don't want it, no way," one woman said. "I don't care. No way."
That was the reaction a lot of women had to the backscatter X-ray, a screening device that will soon be the alternative to body wanding and frisking here at JFK.
The device functions by emitting x-rays that penetrate clothing, but bounce off the subject's body, creating a silhouette-like as seen on the right. It has potential applications in almost every situation in which non-destructive examination is required, but only one side is available for examination.
Regardless of the fancy explanation, area air travelers say they will not warm up to the idea.
"I would be uncomfortable. I feel it's an invasion of privacy, especially for women" said Naomi Padmar of Midwood.
The American Civil Liberties Union has assailed this technology as a virtual strip search although the Transportation Safety Administration says special privacy software will blur the images concentrating on hidden weapons rather than curves and contours.
It's been in use at Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix since February. One arriving passenger said he's seen the machine.
"I haven't seen anybody use it. It's just sitting there," said Saul Moretsky, who added he would use the machine. "Absolutely, the safer the better."
The TSA is banking that fear of hijackers outweighs fear of anatomical exposure.
"I feel more for the women," said Joe Tonelli of Rye.
The backscatter scan is completely voluntary. According to the TSA nearly 80 percent of passengers at the airport in Phoenix chose to be scanned rather than patted down by a screener.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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