EPIC, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, has used a Freedom of Information request to discover that the body scanners TSA wants to deploy at airports can not only store images, but transmit them as well.
Naturally, TSA's public relations campaign promises passengers won't be at risk of having their electronically recorded nakedness displayed online for all to see. TSA counters EPIC by saying the machines' storage and transmittal functions will be disabled prior to shipment to the airports. I'm guessing that anyone with a twelve-year-old's computer expertise could hack in and change the settings. I suppose you'd need a twelve-year-old's mentality to think of doing it in the first place.
It's an interesting controversy. TSA says the devices will help them protect the traveling public. But should such a program be allowed to go forward if it raises concerns about personal privacy?
Would such an issue have been raised in the immediate wake of 9/11? Would it be raised in other countries, Israel for example, where terrorism is always a concern?
Questions to ponder.
Personally, I'd rather be scanned than sorry. Then again, having my naked image sent around the world without my approval could only help sell books.
Wes Clark Jr.(son of General Wesley Clark, the former Presidential candidate) may have the best idea of all. He suggests we all fly, "naked and unconscious with no baggage."
I accept that option only if airlines make the seats more comfortable.
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