New "clothes stripping" XRAY machine in airport

[MotorTink]

Posted: 2/23/07 at 11:28pm

Powerful X-ray machine debuts in Phoenix
‘Backscatter’ visually strips off clothing, to be used on voluntary basis

MESA, Ariz. - An X-ray security scanner that can see through clothing was put into its first operational use Friday at Sky Harbor International Airport and could be rolled out to two other major airports by year's end.

The so-called "backscatter" technology has been controversial, with critics saying the high-resolution images are too invasive. But the Transportation Security Administration adjusted the machine's images so the normally graphic pictures can be blurred in certain areas while still being effective at detecting concealed weapons or other threats.

"I think the work we've done with the industry to address the privacy concerns has really done well," said Nico Melendez, an agency spokesman.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17296248/

Until they started talking about some areas being blurred, I thought we were going to see a rise in job applicants to the TSA, lol.

[Fabrizio2]

Posted: 2/23/07 at 11:34pm

I went through a machine once in Boston that blew air at me from all directions. It was odd.

[MotorTink]

Posted: 2/23/07 at 11:35pm

So it could technically be said that you got **air blow at you** at the airport?

**Edited so I don't go to jail**

Updated On: 2/23/07 at 11:35 PM

[Fabrizio2]

Posted: 2/23/07 at 11:36pm

Sure.

ETA: You do realize that I am a minor... Updated On: 2/23/07 at 11:36 PM

[SweetQintheLights]

Posted: 2/23/07 at 11:42pm

"The machine can't store the image or transmit them. "Once we're done screening the passenger, the image is gone forever," Melendez said."

Somehow I don't believe that.

[Fabrizio2]

Posted: 2/23/07 at 11:43pm

I agree with that one SweetQ. It's just a bit scary to me the entire thought of it all.

[MotorTink]

Posted: 2/23/07 at 11:46pm

To me whats more worrisome is that with no technical guidelines of reasons for being chosen, and that it is not mandatory, are they really picking on the basis of security issues or not nice reasons?

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 2/24/07 at 12:25am

I think the guy in the x-ray is wearing a thong...

[Tag]

Posted: 2/24/07 at 1:44am

Fabrizio2 that machine looks for drugs.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 2/24/07 at 2:37am

Personally, I'd prefer this to being felt-up by a TSA employee.

[StephanietheStar]

Posted: 2/24/07 at 10:10am

that guy totally IS wearing a thong...

[DG]

Posted: 2/24/07 at 10:18am

I can't believe they call it a 'backscatter' . . .

[erikaamato]

Posted: 2/24/07 at 10:52am

Great, now I have to worry if my body looks good enough to go through airport security. Just what I needed.

[The Grovers Corners Yenta]

Posted: 2/24/07 at 3:47pm

I am due for a mammogram.

[vmlinnie]

Posted: 2/24/07 at 4:22pm

If it's voluntary, only those who have a body to show off will be screened. So, a message to drug sugglers and terrorists; if you don't want to be caught: be fat.

[Jane2]

Posted: 2/24/07 at 4:44pm

I plan on showing off my fat body next month-and I'm not a suggler!!!!

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 2/24/07 at 10:10pm

is he bald too or does it also see though hair?

[JustChillin8908]

Posted: 2/24/07 at 10:18pm

Does this remind anyone else of "Airplane!" where the girls are walking through the x-ray machine? It may have been in the sequel.