Against expanded full-body scanner use in U.S. airports

¶ … Against the Expanded Use of Full-Body Scanner in Airports

Argument

The use of full body scanners in airports is a method that is too invasive because it actually produces pictures of the individual's body and as well the method is time consuming and expensive and as well there are viable alternatives available.

Support/Evidence

Cost, Risk, Passenger Inconvenience, and Privacy Concerns

Jim Arkedis a reporter for 'The Hill' relates that body scanner in 2011 cost approximately $700 million. In addition Arkedis is reports that a viable alternative is that of 'smart-screening' or construction of a security net that screens passengers for those which are potentially dangerous which would assist in "balancing risk, passenger inconvenience and privacy concerns." (2010) According to Arkedis, smart screening would further save money. Arkedis reports, "it is time to let the selectee list think for itself.

B. Alternatives Exist to Combat Terrorist Acts

With technological innovation, the list could be transformed into a "smart" anti-terrorism tool: Additional screening should be triggered only when an algorithm connects suspicious persons to a specific itinerary during periods of elevated, if vague, threats." (Gizmodo, 2012, p.1) In another report, the question is asked whether TSA scanners are actually protecting passengers "or padding pockets." (Gizmodo, 2012, p.1 ) The report states that "pilots hate them" and passenger avoiding them "get a groping. TSA is reported to cope with criticism by first "denying that a problem exists and upon it becoming obvious in its existence TSA "insist it's not big deal. They eventually stop answering questions, because shut up and that's why." (Gizmodo, 2012, p.1)

D, Reports State Most Don't Mind the Scanner

It is reported that many individuals have not objective to the use of full-body scanner by TSA and specifically that those with medical devices and hip replacement prefer the scanners because they are quicker and actually less invasive. Yet, since the scanners "…produce an image of an unclothed passenger, the court found them more intrusive of personal privacy than magnetometers -- the "wands" agents wave over passengers' clothed bodies -- and thus required different procedure." (Gizmodo, 2012, p.1)

Summary

The full-body scanner used by TSA are such that actually produce pictures of a person's unclothed body. This technique is believed by many as well as court decisions that this method of security checks at U.S. airports is far too invasive. However, those with medical devices feel it is less invasive. The findings of this study rest on the fact that the full-body scanner is not the primary problem with TSA security procedures and methods but instead that the security model utilized by TSA is flawed and that a new way of perceiving the role of ensuring airport security should be given a close examination.