One can never be too safe. In the latest act of capitulation towards those seeking to erode our liberty and privacy, Homeland Security introduces The X-Ray Backscatter: “The X-Ray Backscatter inspection system creates photo-like images revealing explosives and plastic weapons, thereby reducing the need for physical body pat-downs.”
Backscatters began testing in various airports last year; I am unaware of any reports of leaked photos.
Personally I have no problem with any of this: if you don’t want anybody goggling your genitals (or googling your genitals), then there is a simple recourse: don’t fly. Or lighten up: think of it as a nude beach. Also, consider joining a gym: it’s healthy and we’d rather not see you like that.
It mentions in the article that the x-rays are low powered to avoid penetration of the skin. Shouldn’t that negate any medical issues? Or is there still an exposure (no pun intended) risk?
In every airport I’ve been at the general public could see what the security folks are seeing on their x-rays, for luggage at least. With this machine are they going to make some effort that only secuirty people can see the images, or will there always be a crowd of dirty fucks with their hands in their pockets behind the security counter, fapping their thanks to Osama bin Laden? And what time should I show up?