These tools are already in use in the US. Is it acceptable for security staff to be able to screen every passenger like this? See the attached picture at the bottom of this post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/02/AR2007030202035.html
Psssst. Want to see Susan Hallowell naked? Look at the Feb. 24 New York Times. She's on page A10.
Hallowell runs the Transportation Security Administration's research lab. Four years ago, she volunteered to be scanned by a backscatter X-ray machine, which sees through clothing. She was wearing a skirt and a blazer. But in the picture, she's as good as naked.
Now it's your turn.
Last week, TSA began using backscatters to screen airline passengers for weapons. The first machine is up and running in Phoenix. The next ones will be in New York and Los Angeles. The machines have been modified with a "privacy algorithm" to clean up what they show. But even the more cartoon-like images they now display tell you more than you need to know about the people seated next to you.
Are you up for this? Are you ready to get naked for your country?
http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/screening/backscatter.shtm
Operational testing of backscatter technology will soon be underway at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. It will be used in secondary screening, on a voluntary basis as an alternative to a pat-down. In addition to usual effectiveness and suitability assessments, TSA also will be examining operational issues, including throughput, privacy considerations, training, safety of use and perceptions by the traveling public.
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Compare the 'official' US government pictures with this article to the New York Times image attached
Male Front/Rear View
Female Front/Rear View