Full-Body Scanners Being Installed at UK Airports

Despite doubt about the effectiveness of full-body scanners to detect certain types of liquid explosive devices, the UK government has given the green light for their installation at UK airports. 

The move is a result of the failed Christmas Day attempt to blow up a Northwest Airline plane over Detroit.  However, doubt has been expressed whether full-body scanners would have detected the device carried by the Nigerian suicide bomber. 

An urgent review of airport security procedures is currently underway and BAA plans to install full body scanners at its airports, with Heathrow being first in the queue.

There have been reports that some airports, including Heathrow and Schiphol, had already purchased scanners (at approx. £100,000 each) but the machines have remained unused due to privacy concerns and other human rights issues. 

It is currently being debated whether use of the scanners on children would violate child protection laws for creating indecent images of children.  Despite reassurance that the scans are performed anonymously, there is also concern that images of celebrities or those with unusual body profiles might be sold to the media.

Another potential problem which has not been given much air time is the issue of accumulated radiation risk, especially for frequent flyers. 

Other measures to increase airport security are likely to include increased profiling of certain passengers, watching for suspicious activity, sniffer dogs, pat downs, and more thorough checks of hand luggage.  Watch for further updates.

Flickr Image: dlisbona