Security and Privacy in Air Travel

Image from full body scanner

The issue of security and privacy has always been a big part of travel. Then, in 2001, after the hijacking of the planes and destruction of the World Trade Center, there needed to be a change in the level of security at airports. One such change was increased screening of individuals who did not have government issued identification. Screening has always been a part of the process of getting through airport security. Everything from bags to people is scanned.

As technology keeps improving, the security keeps changing. Just a couple of years ago, people just had to walk through metal detectors in order to pass through airport security. If the detector kept going off after all possible metal objects were removed, then they would have been patted down by someone who worked there. Now, there is a new type of security machine that people go through that basically takes an x-ray of the person. This device can see through clothing and then officials would be able to detect both metallic and non-metallic items on the person. According to an article on Msnbc.com these machines have been implemented or will be in 20 United States cities, including JFK in New York City and LAX in Los Angeles.

While these new machines are definitely able to detect more than just a metal detector and pat down, there is an issue of privacy. The new scanners, called Millimeter Wave screening (MMV), take a whole body scan of the individual. Barry Steinhardt, who is the director of the ACLU's Technology and Liberty Project, says in the article that, “Body scanners produce graphic images of travelers’ bodies and are an assault on their essential dignity.” It is important to find the right balance of privacy for the individual and security for the airport.

Bottle Scanner

In addition to the MMV, there have been additional new technologies either proposed or implemented in some airports. An article from USA Today presents multiple new devices that are still in development, testing, or already implemented in some airports. One such device that is mentioned is a handheld bottle scanner. This particular scanner uses the vapors from both the liquid in the bottle and the bottle itself. From the vapors, it is able to determine the level of explosive materials. The article does say however, “Handheld bottle scanners won't ease the restriction on the quantity of liquids and gels passengers can carry through checkpoints,” because it would be too difficult to test large amounts of liquids with these handheld devices. The liquid scanners are not yet in every airport most likely due to the hefty price tag of $20,000.

These new devices are just a small offering of the new technology that is being used for security during travel by flight. And while there are some issues with privacy among some of the new scanning machines, they will most likely be more common in airports in the near future.