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TSA Plan To Body-Scan Pedestrians, Train Passengers | |
2011-03-03 | |
The non-profit Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) on Wednesday published documents it obtained from the Department of Homeland Security showing that from 2006 to 2008 the agency planned a study of of new anti-terrorism technologies that EPIC believes raise serious privacy concerns. The projects range from what the DHS describes as “a walk through x-ray screening system that could be deployed at entrances to special events or other points of interest” to “covert inspection of moving subjects” employing the same backscatter imaging technology currently used in American airports. One project allocated to Northeastern University and Siemens would mount backscatter x-ray scanners and video cameras on roving vans, along with other cameras on buildings and utility poles, to monitor groups of pedestrians, assess what they carried, and even track their eye movements. In another program, the researchers were asked to develop a system of long range x-ray scanning to determine what metal objects an individual might have on his or her body at distances up to thirty feet. “This would allow them to take these technologies out of the airport and into other contexts like public streets, special events and ground transit,” says Ginger McCall, an attorney with EPIC. “It’s a clear violation of the fourth amendment that’s very invasive, not necessarily effective, and poses all the same radiation risks as the airport scans.” It’s not clear to what degree the technologies outlined in the DHS documents have been implemented. Multiple contacts at the DHS public affairs office didn’t respond to a request for comment Wednesday afternoon. But EPIC’s McCall says that safeguards are irrelevant: If scanners are deployed in public settings, it doesn’t matter if they show full naked images or merely the objects in a user’s pockets. “When you’re out walking on the street, it’s not acceptable for an officer to come up and search your bag without probable cause or consent.,” she says. “This is the digital equivalent.” | |
Posted by:Steve White |
#2 We are broke. I don't see enough money to support this crap. I'd rather take my chances with defending myself against the terrorists/thugs/common criminals rather than deal with this costly this governmental boondoggle. I think the pushback from the public will never permit such intrusions. |
Posted by: JohnQC 2011-03-03 09:53 |
#1 ...and soon to those rest stops just before the state borders on the Interstates. [BTW as anyone seen a train fall 20,000 feet after getting its 'aerodynamic' structure compromised?] |
Posted by: Procopius2k 2011-03-03 08:50 |