Backscatter X-Ray Machines Easily Fooled 342
Pinckney writes "A paper by Leon Kaufman and Joseph W. Carlson in the Journal of Transportation Security asserts that x-ray backscatter machines are not very effective (PDF) even in their intended role. While carelessly placed contraband will be detected, the machines have glaring blind-spots and have difficulty distinguishing explosives from human tissue. As they write, 'It is very likely that a large (15–20 cm in diameter), irregularly-shaped, cm-thick pancake [of PETN explosive] with beveled edges, taped to the abdomen, would be invisible to this technology. ... It is also easy to see that an object such as a wire or a boxcutter blade, taped to the side of the body, or even a small gun in the same location, will be invisible.'"
Better technology (Score:5, Funny)
Solution (Score:5, Funny)
Passengers and cargo are a security risk. Prohibit them from boarding planes, and everyone will be safe.
(Pilots are also a security risk. In the future all planes will fly autonomously, controlled by AIs.)
(Programmers writing the AIs are also a security risk. You know what? Scrap those planes, they're not carrying anything anyway.)
Re:Better technology (Score:5, Funny)
This obviously means that we are going to need better technology. We'll need technology that will be able to give us a full color representation of your completely nude body, but only if you're a hot chick. - Your Friendly local TSA Agent
Bah, There's nothing for the female TSA Agents. I suggest only hot guys get scanned. I don't think slashdotters need apply.
Solution: Eye bleach. (Score:2, Funny)
Considering how a lot of you look naked, that would be enough to force anyone to give up terrorism.
Re:It's theater... (Score:2, Funny)
"You sound like a broken MP3!" -- Professor Farnsworth.
Re:It's theater... (Score:5, Funny)
Not to sound like a broken record (does that phase mean anything to people or did I just show my age)...
That is right along the lines of "Don't touch that dial."
And personally, I have started using "Not to sound like a scratched record" instead of "Not to sound like a broken record."
If you think about it, a broken record would sound li...
Whereas a scratched record would sound like...record would sound like...record would sound like...
Re:It's theater... (Score:5, Funny)
Not to sound like a [ Buffering.... ]
Re:Solution: Eye bleach. (Score:3, Funny)
It Comes to This (Score:5, Funny)
Re:How about the opposite? (Score:5, Funny)
That depends on if the passenger had Taco Hell the previous night.
Re:"You won't be detecting that"?! (Score:5, Funny)
NOW you're thinking like a TSA administrator!
Re:Better technology (Score:5, Funny)
This obviously means that we are going to need better technology. We'll need technology that will be able to give us a full color representation of your completely nude body, but only if you're a hot chick.
"Attention passengers, please form 3 lines.
All hot chicks, please line up to your far left, at ramp #1 to scanner, for full color internet/youtube-connected body scanner followed by enhanced patdown.
All normal chicks, please line up at ramp #2 for enhanced pat down and quick scan
All men, please line up at ramp #3, for metal detector.
All felons and terrorists, please move along.
All children, remember that this is the way society has always operated, and is considered normal. No, really -- our Constitution approves of it. Please follow Officer McCarthy for a "special" pat-down.
My apologies for what's likely flamebait. If you're going to paint idealized forms of what this will end up being, at least follow through. Seriously, when I read the first two, I'm all for it. I read the third line, and I wouldn't really mind because I've dealt with metal detectors for years. Add on the next line, and I start to feel a bit uncomfortable, because suddenly I have to wonder how different from reality this really is. The last line makes me wonder what legacy we will leave our future.
MOD PARENT UP!!! (Score:4, Funny)
The TrisexualPuppy