subject: Full-Body Screening and Civil Liberties [print this page] Full-Body Screening and Civil Liberties Full-Body Screening and Civil Liberties
Full-body imaging and screening technologies are being used in airports and border crossing checkpoints in many countries today. Machines based on these technologies are meant to make our airspace and our World a safer place. They are a leap ahead over metal detectors currently used in most airports because they can detect hidden items such as liquid & plastic explosives, narcotics, weapons, stacks of currency and contraband. Unfortunately, the most widely used systems may violate civil rights, human dignity and privacy as they show anatomical parts in full detail. Additionally, they might pose health risks by radiating subjects.
Although most people agree on increasing security against terrorism and other threats, the equipment has been highly criticized by civil liberties unions, religious organizations, privacy groups, the news media and the public. The question is: do we have to compromise our dignity to be safe? As it turns out, there is an alternative technology that protects a subject's health and privacy, without compromising security.
Passive millimeter wave technology is the only type of whole body imaging technology to date that overcomes the health and privacy issues of other technologies, including x-ray and backscatter machines and active millimeter wave systems. Passive millimeter wave technology simply reads the naturally occurring energy emitted by the subject without emitting potentially harmful radiation. It is safe for everyone, including people with pacemakers, children and pregnant women. More importantly, passive millimeter wave sensors do not reveal anatomical details, protecting personal privacy. The technology is also faster than other technologies, and can be used in a high-throughput configuration.
