Virtual strip search machines, coming to an airport near you

Another brick in the building of a surveillance society. The USA Today reports today that 10 airports will install or have installed body scanning machines that show images underneath a person's clothing. You can see what it looks like here.

In our region, airports on the list include Baltimore-Washington International- a popular airport among folks here in south central PA-, JFK in New York, and National in Washington. I've been flying out of Harrisburg International Airport a lot lately, and it is suddenly looking all the more inviting. I can see that next marketing scheme: "HIA: Where we don't ask to look under your clothes!"

The ACLU responded:

The TSA effort could encourage scanners' use in rail stations, arenas and office buildings, the American Civil Liberties Union said. "This may well set a precedent that others will follow," said Barry Steinhardt, head of the ACLU technology project...

Steinhardt of the ACLU said passengers would be alarmed if they saw the image of their body. "It all seems very clinical and non-threatening — you go through this portal and don't have any idea what's at the other end," he said.

Passengers in line at these airports should recite the Fourth Amendment while waiting for screening: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated.

Andy in Harrisburg