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The debate surrounding body scanning technology in airports that started the moment a terrorist tried to blow himself up on a Detroit-bound flight, shows no signs of reaching a satisfactory conclusion.
Many concerns still exist over the technology and just yesterday we reported that MEPs raised issues about the health and privacy implications.
There are three types of body scanning technology currently available: backscatter x-ray, active microwave, and passive millimeter wave.
However, while the first two varieties use either X-rays or microwaves to irradiate the subject and use backscatter or reflected signals to provide an image for an operator, one firm has claimed its technology does not cause any health concerns.
MMIC Solutions told Frontline that its Passive Millimetre wave technology (pictured above) works by reading the naturally occurring waves emitted by the human body, rather than irradiating the subject. This provides an image in which any objects such as a handgun are visible to an operator.
The company also claims that, contrary to reports that traditional body scanners would not have detected the bomb worn by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, its technology would have worked.
Regardless of the above though such technological differences will not allay the fears of many who argue that body scanners have the potential to violate the privacy rights of passengers.
Furthermore, many MEPs commented yesterday that scanners should not remove the pressing need for agencies and governments to share information behind the scenes to counter terrorism at the back end as well as on the frontline.
29 Jan 2010
