New Airport Technology Shows Passengers Naked

By Ben Haber

August 11th, 2008

By Ben Haber

Flying these days is a huge pain, and there is really no way around it. The airport is filled with long lines, the planes are small and crowded, and you get nickeled and dimed your entire way through the flight.

But, now you may also have to worry about your privacy.

As technology continues to advance, it’s becoming easier and easier for your privacy to be invaded. I’m not talking Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, and Google searches either. I’m talking about ‘involuntary’ invasions of privacy that will be required in order for you to board your next flight.

The Boston Globe reports that Logan Airport will soon begin using technology that will allow security officials to see through passenger’s clothing to make sure they aren’t hiding liquids or other items that aren’t allowed on flights. Passengers who refuse to go into one of these machines will be subject to a ‘pat-down’ which may or may not be more invasive.

Barry Steinhardt, director of the ACLU’s technology and liberty program, says these full body machines are “The equivalent of walking naked through a room with a bag over your head while somebody peers from the balcony above you,” and says that most passengers would be horrified if they saw the images the machine produced.

While these new security measures seem inevitable, it’s interesting to watch as technology has allowed us to become more connected (iPhone) but has also started to place severe limits on our privacy through social networks and now body-scanners.

What do you think about having this technology at airports?

Entry Filed under: Legal Matters, Technology and Innovation