Euro scanner, a different view

Thanks to Till for this tip: Some of the European scanners in development show a much less detailed view of you than the US scanners do. This looks a lot more likely to be accepted by the exasperated flying public. There was talk of something similar over here but the “guy in the cap” scanner is not what’s been implemented.

Update: Euro scanners fooled by creased clothing.

(Brad) 

Update on November 16, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

CLICK PHOTO FOR LINK TO EARLIER OBOW POST

Comments

[Till]

I think the "simplified" pictures would take care of the ethical and sexual concerns. But there are two more concerns. One is the health concern. From what I've read milimeter wave is harmless but they aren't sure for backscatter technology. In how far that's true or not I cannot say. But what I can say is that there is no way to know what kind of machine you're walking through because it doesn't tell you what kind of machine it is. And there is no way to tell if the machine is properly maintained.

The second concern is one of data protection. While the image on the screen may be simplified, the image that the machine actually takes of you can still be highly detailed. Who can guarantee that this image is a) not saved, and b) not used to get a biometric measurement of each traveler.

I oppose the biometric measurement because they have already developed body scanners where you just need to walk by a wall (not recognizable as a scanner) and it will show a detailed nude image of you on a screen at any close-by or remote location. This means the government would be able to trace you and strip search you any time and anywhere without you knowing it. They could also identify you through the biometric measurements. They wouldn't even need to get an image of your face. Just you walking through would be enough. For me that's way too 1984.

The entire recognition technology is aimed at quick and precise recognition of even a moving person with the possibility to read/view the data without the person's knowledge. RFID chips in passports with biometric measurements are going in the same direction.

If you haven't read 1984 or watched Minority Report, do it. It's chilling and we are practically there.