Phoenix airport set to test all-seeing x-ray

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport looks to have the distinct honor of being the first airport in the United States to put the controversial "backscatter" x-ray technology to use, the very same excessively-intimate inspection technique that made its debut at London's Heathrow airport a couple of years back. The airport won't just be taking a peek at everyone that passes through the gate, however, instead using the scanner as a backup to existing screening measures -- and, even then, individuals will have the option of a pat-down search instead of the picture postcard seen here. What's more, unlike earlier implementations of the technology, the Transportation Security Administration has reportedly sanitized the end results somewhat, with certain areas being discreetly blurred out, and no images saved after the person steps away from the machine. While the Phoenix airport gets to be first it, not suprisingly, won't be the last, with the TSA saying that a "handful" of other airports will be installing some scanners of their own sometime early next year.

[Thanks, Ben B.]

[Andrew @ Dec 4th 2006 2:09PM]

Privacy nothing. That's an amazing looking picture. I think if I had the opportunity to have my picture taken with one of those, I'd leave my cellphone in my pocket and try for additional screening.

They should let you buy a picture of yourself afterwards, ala Disneyland.

[Andrew @ Dec 4th 2006 2:12PM]

Privacy Nothing. That's an amazing looking picture. I think I'd leave my cellphone or some change in my pocket, just in the hope of seeing my self scatter x-rayed.

They should sell you your photo afterward, ala Disneyland.

[CoreyTheGent @ Dec 4th 2006 2:13PM]

That guy's no stranger to the gym. Look at the size of those calves.

[Jason @ Dec 4th 2006 2:15PM]

That guy looks like a Locust from Gears of War.

[Little Man Buz @ Dec 4th 2006 2:30PM]

Hmmm, I wonder if I'd get arrested if I stuck a sticker on my privates that said "Hi There!" that would show up in such a scan?

I can't wait for this to be put into usage and hearing about all the bogus lawsuits claiming that this caused someone's cancer or other medical condition.

[Ken C @ Dec 4th 2006 2:31PM]

This has been in the local news here in the PHX metro area all weekend. I think it's pretty cool though

[R @ Dec 4th 2006 2:38PM]

Yawn . . . Wake me up when they can make it look like that security scanner from "Total Recall." Then I'll be impressed.

[doug @ Mar 2nd 2007 1:37PM]

There is one and its being used in Europe-much better that this device fast 5 second scan displays not body surface detains and finds concealed item both on and more importantly inside a body.

[Paul @ Dec 4th 2006 2:40PM]

Health concerns?

There is a reason you get a lead vest when you get xrays at the dentist.

[Andy @ Dec 4th 2006 5:52PM]

I presume the technology is similar to DEXA scans which I've been lucky enough to have thanks to a research project. If so, they equate to about 1500th of a standard xray yet still have the power to resole internal organs and bone - althogh no where near the quality of what we consider 'normal' x-rays.

I'd have no problem stepping into one if helped with airport security.

[Ben G. @ Dec 5th 2006 12:45AM]

Backscatter rays do not go through an object

http://hps.org/hpspublications/articles/screenindx-ray.html

[mespinosam @ Dec 4th 2006 2:46PM]

Y'ou All already drank the Flavor-Aid.
You cannot be helped.

[apeguero @ Dec 4th 2006 2:54PM]

The only thing I regret about this is that they should've kept it secret. They should've just started using it without any announcements. Catch "evildoers" by surprise.

[John Doe @ Dec 4th 2006 3:04PM]

Can I assume that this "backscatter" x-ray is sufficiently different from normal X-rays that you don't have to worry about covering up your boys when you go through?

[narco @ Dec 4th 2006 3:28PM]

Where does one apply to become a screener at the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport? Even if I don't get to see naked chicks, I'll have the chance to pat them down.

Fishes,
narco.

[dawookie @ Dec 4th 2006 3:52PM]

is that a gun in your pocket? or are you happy to see me?

[Jason @ Dec 4th 2006 3:55PM]

Well, I guess since they won't profile and look for Terrorists, I guess we all better hit the guy for our X-ray photo.

[GioNYC @ Dec 4th 2006 4:08PM]

Can I jump through the plasma Glass like in "Total Recall" ?

[timbern @ Dec 4th 2006 4:36PM]

The use of backscatter is of health concern. While it is low level radiation, no level of ionized radiation has been deemed safe for non-medical use. It's cool, but that doesn't mean it justified/needed. Most of the 'security' in place right now is not justified or frankly helpful. It does however make flying a pain, and driving more interesting. They haven't done the research to determine its safety, feel like a lab rat? You are.

[doug @ Mar 2nd 2007 1:39PM]

if your concerned about ionizing radiation exposure you shouldn't be flying where you will be exposed to 20 to 50 times the amount of ionizing radiation with a body scan.

[TerrorStorm @ Dec 4th 2006 4:48PM]

Big brother is already doing this and making your whole body into a fingerprint, now just take a verichip implant, put a camera in your car and home, carry a cell phone that listens and tracks you and be a good little slave. Privacy = Freedom
I�m sick of this crap; I see at least one or more of these big brother things every few days on here.

[sartinsauce @ Dec 4th 2006 4:52PM]

It's just like Total Recall!

Hopefully, when I wake up the morning the Government will have wiped my memory and planted me in a nice condo with Sharon Stone as my wife!

[Moose @ Dec 4th 2006 4:54PM]

Man, that guy on the right is into some seriously kinky sex.

[jay.viz @ Dec 4th 2006 5:03PM]

I wonder how many times you can go through one of these safely.

[furby @ Dec 4th 2006 5:04PM]

I went through this in Heathrow (London) at the weekend. I was hungover and they made you stand in(3) akward positions, still technology is fun so I didn't complain. But I was still padded down TWICE before I could get on the plane. Felt a little over the top and you don't get to keep the pictures. Boo

[TVGenius @ Dec 4th 2006 5:34PM]

If you're so concerned about the safety of your 'nads, just go for the full pat-down (and maybe strip) search. Bruno will be happy to inspect your crevices for plastic explosives.

[Daniel @ Dec 4th 2006 6:17PM]

Those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserves neither.
-Benjamin Franklin

[andrewkfromaz @ Dec 4th 2006 6:23PM]

Supposedly they're going to ease the actual image quality displayed for the screener, plus the image is deleted immediately. I think this method is actually less invasive than the wanding search.
Also, they hire female employees to wand females who beep.
I've actually been extremely successful lately in avoiding triggering the metal detector in the first place. It's common sense, but sometimes it seems more difficult than it is.

[Sean @ Dec 4th 2006 8:32PM]

Riight, they're going to delete the image immediately. Give me a break. The MPAA can't keep screeners from leaking onto the internet, why would the TSA think they can control this?

You're going to hear about a guy buying a used computer and finding thousands of these photos.

[Bmwe46 @ Dec 4th 2006 10:07PM]

I doubt they will manage to keep privacy under control like they suggest, I can just imagine now, Oh look its Brad Pitt at the scanner, get your cameraphone ready, look its Angelina! Once those lawsuits start coming in I'm sure the safety of our privacy will be higher on the list, till them, what is to stop them from taking pics of it on a cell phone or digicam?

[frankmu @ Dec 4th 2006 11:23PM]

i wonder if you can identify a boob job from the real thing. that will make a lot of women upset.

[Othello @ Dec 5th 2006 12:00AM]

I demand a fluffer before I go through one of these contraptions!

[uclatommy @ Dec 5th 2006 12:00AM]

Wake me up when they shrink this to the size of a discreet pair of sunglasses. Those xray vision glasses that got in a crackerjack box many years ago didn't work. And I spent my hard earned lawn mowing money on it too.

[barrywoods @ Dec 5th 2006 12:11AM]

Uhh, you did look at the picture right? Who gives a crap if they keep the pics or not. It's not like you can tell who the picture is. You don't like it, don't fly. It's not in the constitution that you can fly when ever you want. Besides, only the tsa guy or chick can see the screen, and I'd feel sorry for them if I were you. Sure they might get a chance to see a fuzzy funky picture of some hot chick of stud, but have you flown lately? They'll probably get to see more people who should be buying the seat beside them as well. I've got a better idea for security. Every body flies in their tighty whities. If you can't carry it in your hand it doesn't come on board.

[Ahmed @ Dec 5th 2006 2:06AM]

terrorists don't walk into airports with a gun in their pockets

[Ben G. @ Dec 5th 2006 6:22PM]

http://www.tsa.gov/research/privacy/backscatter.shtm

[Lt_Ladle @ Dec 5th 2006 6:33PM]

so if i stick a bomb/gun in my crotch, i'm home free?

[doug @ Mar 2nd 2007 1:39PM]

This scanner is low tech and very slow. Europe is using a higher technology x ray screener that is 6 times faster-5 second scan time-, finds anything concealed in or on a body and shows no body surface details. This European scanner is so precise that it can detect fillings in teeth, swallowed drugs and even can see nails in a shoe-something the backscatter can't do.