JFK, LAX To Test Millimeter-Wave Scanners

Narrative Fallacy writes "The Transportation Security Administration has announced that it's beginning pilot tests of millimeter wave scanning technology at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) that allow TSA personnel to see concealed weapons and other items that may be hidden beneath clothes. TSA Administrator Kip Hawley says that that the potentially revealing body scans (YouTube) would not be stored and that 90% of passengers subject to secondary screening opt for a millimeter wave scan over a pat-down. The agency added that security officers viewing the scans would do so remotely, where they will not be able to recognize passengers but will be able to trigger an alarm if needed. The agency also said that a blurring algorithm is applied to passengers' faces in scanned images as an additional privacy protection."

why?

[thermian]

I mean, just how many millimetre waves are people going to be smuggling onto airplanes?

Is there a market in black market millimetre waves that I'm not aware of?

Re:Just a Matter of Time...

[Rakshasa Taisab]

I was about to say something about the security guards being aroused the whole shift they work... But then i realized it will be at an US airport, where the traffic will have extra large volumes.

It may not stop terrorists but...

[pagaboy]

it'll certainly catch any unauthorised commandos.

Re:Just a Matter of Time...

[PMBjornerud]

But if you're a terrorist, hire an escort agency and enter the screening with a handful of nicely curved girls. You know where any board male security guards will be looking...

Re:Option to opt-out

[Anonymous Coward]

Great, you can choose between photographed naked or you can be groped.

I guess so long as they are polite about it.

(Pardon me, would you like this inserted orally or rectally? No I'm very sorry, reglations prohibit me from divulging what choice the last passenger made.)

Re:Option to opt-out

[chuckymonkey]

He/She is a terrorist. Burn her/him!

My employer forces me to get naked..

[QuantumG]

just follow my logic here. I only fly because my company makes me. When I go to the airport I have to put up with all this security bullshit and now they've put in magic scanners (it's magic to me, as it is to most everyone) and the security people get to see me naked. So basically, if I want to get paid, my company is demanding that I get naked. Now, I don't know about you, but I didn't sign up for that. I'm not exactly *against* the idea of getting naked for money, but I think I should be getting paid a lot more than I am now if that's the deal.

Re:so they'll be checking kids too?

[eebra82]

Which airport is that? I am yet to see a child in underwear at any airport.

Re:Indecent posing

[clickety6]

The best part was that they weren't even scanning you. They pull this joke on all the tourists with American accents... ;-)

Re:puritian influences

[Anonymous Coward]

Personally, I'm going to make an extra-special effort to be sporting a big stiffy the next time I'm subjected to this search.

Re:Just a Matter of Time...

[palewook]

how long before this device shows up as a Japanese Game Show.

Re:Boarding pass check

[dosun88888]

How much does the TSA pay its shills these days?

Re:Just a Matter of Time...

[Samurai Tony]

Links dammit... links. A comment like this is useless without proof to back up your statement.

Re:Just a Matter of Time...

[Anonymous Coward]

...out comes the tinfoil hat.... and the little tin foil hat

Re:Boarding pass check

[JaredOfEuropa]

How much does the TSA pay its shills these days?

Not a lot; they pay me in liquor confiscated from other travellers.