New X-Ray Device Can See Your Bits

I can’t believe I haven’t seen more people having a fit about this, but according to the Associated Press, travelers are about to be exposed.

A new x-ray technology, known as ‘Z Backscatter’, now in use at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor International Airport has the capability to, shall we say, see the more intimate bits of a traveler’s personal luggage. The device, which can see through a subjects’ clothing and detect metallic and non-metallic objects, is on loan for a TSA-ordered 90 day trial period from manufacturer American Science and Engineering, Inc.

A perusal of AS&E’s website reveals that the ‘Z Backscatter’ technology works by “detecting and highlighting “low Z” materials (items that contain low atomic number elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen).” Explosives, weapons, even organic objects can be detected with the new system, called ‘SmartCheck’. The device requires two technicians to run, one to assist the passenger during the screening process and another to monitor the images, which can be neither stored or transmitted.

Yeah, right. That’s what camera phones are for. I can see the first lawsuit now…

Source: Associated Press

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Haggis said:

I remember hearing about this a few months back when they were testing it in a few airports up north, and my first thought when they said “cannot be stored or transmitted” was also the “camera phone” bit you mentioned. Shameful.

Commented on March 5th, 2007 at 2:55 pm.

SLO living said:

Meh.

If you’re so ashamed, you can either visit the gym a bit more often, or - better yet - not worry about it at all because no one will be able to match your profile with the “3-dimensional you” anyway. And (lemme get this right) are those of you who are objecting saying that a pat-down type of search is somehow less invasive? This seems odd, but maybe that’s just me.

Commented on March 6th, 2007 at 2:08 pm.

MonaLisa said:

Next time I fly, I’ll just go to the airport naked. that should eliminate any ideas that I’m somehow packing… anything other than a large fleshy silicone appendage, that is…

Anyway, do terrorists even WEAR dildos?

Commented on March 6th, 2007 at 5:05 pm.

Smokin said:

Not ashamed SLO, spooked.

ML - Hehehehe, that made my day!

Commented on March 6th, 2007 at 6:41 pm.

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