Metal detectors at airports have traditionally been used as a way to identify dangerous objects such as guns and knives which some unscrupulous people may attempt to bring onto planes. Now there is a new weapon in the counter-terrorism arsenal – naked X-Rays.

Using a special low-intensity X-Rays, known as backscatter technology, the system sees through clothing to produce a rendered image of the body. The X-Rays penetrate clothing but bounce off of skin. The manufacturers claim that the X-Rays are so weak that there is no risk of causing damage through frequent use. While this is fantastic for detecting hidden weapons, including plastic explosives, it also means that an essentially naked picture of your body is produced.

Current security measures consist of a metal detector which means that belts, shoes, wallets, watches and other objects must be removed. This takes time and means that security lines are longer for all passengers. The new detectors will not require you to remove anything. Furthermore, plastic weapons, chemicals and drugs that are hidden on the body will be visible. It is claimed that shoe bomber Richard Reid would have been caught using the new technology.

The major controversy that surrounds this device is the ability it has to produce naked pictures of people, including children. The device is currently being trialled at London Heathrow airport where there UK press have had a field day tearing it apart. What none of them seem to mention is that the same device is already on trial by the Transport Security Administration in the USA. There it is claimed that the software blurs out the “private parts” of individuals so that it cannot be seen. This makes the whole thing a lot less controversial, but I suspect privacy enthusiasts will still have their concerns.

It is also worth noting that the images are not saved on any computer and are deleted after use. Furthermore, the person viewing the images is at a “remote” location, meaning there is less embarrassment felt by the passenger. At this stage, there is an opt-out option where passengers can instead choose the regular pat-down search. Personally I find this more intrusive than a photo but that is just my opinion.

Please use the comment box below if you have any views on this matter. Would you prefer a pat-down or a photo?