It is going to be very tough for plane hijackers and suicide bombers to blow the plane in the mid air as American government has decided to implant X-ray screening machines on Airports.
The new device, which scatters low-intensity X-rays, can easily detect the hidden weapons and bombs. However, American Civil Liberties Union raised their concerns, calling it a “virtual strip search”
It will be used on only on those travelers who require extra screening tests. The backscatter machine will photograph the passengers thoroughly.
Transportation Security Administration will test a “backscatter” machine at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport very shortly this month. As far as the passenger’s privacy is concerned, the machine will show only blur outlines of the travelers but will unable to detect the weapons.
Barry Steinhardt, head of the ACLU’s technology and liberty program, said:
operating the backscatter machines at airports will pave the way for widespread use - and abuse. As this technology becomes commonplace, you’re going to start seeing those images all over the Internet. These images are going to have high commercial value. TSA is seeing very comfortable with the security measure by this new tech, as it will also speed up the screening process by 15 to 20 seconds.
The ‘backscatter’ will soon be replaced the Traditional metal detector, said Randy Null, TSA assistant administrator. The metal detector doesn’t sound alarms for plastic or liquid explosives or ceramic knives where as Backscatter machine is capable of closely monitor these explosives.
No doubt, TSA is on the right path; however, the privacy issues too should be addressed. The screening machines can pave way for widespread abuse and people might upload images all over the Internet.
Via: USA Today
