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Backscatter X-Ray Machines Easily Fooled

Posted by Soulskill on from the my-pants-pockets-are-not-bombs-stop-grabbing-my-@&# dept.

Pinckney writes "A paper by Leon Kaufman and Joseph W. Carlson in the Journal of Transportation Security asserts that x-ray backscatter machines are not very effective (PDF) even in their intended role. While carelessly placed contraband will be detected, the machines have glaring blind-spots and have difficulty distinguishing explosives from human tissue. As they write, 'It is very likely that a large (15–20 cm in diameter), irregularly-shaped, cm-thick pancake [of PETN explosive] with beveled edges, taped to the abdomen, would be invisible to this technology. ... It is also easy to see that an object such as a wire or a boxcutter blade, taped to the side of the body, or even a small gun in the same location, will be invisible.'"

4 of 342 comments (clear)

  1. Better technology by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    This obviously means that we are going to need better technology. We'll need technology that will be able to give us a full color representation of your completely nude body, but only if you're a hot chick. - Your Friendly local TSA Agent

    1. Re:Better technology by Lunoria · · Score: 5, Funny

      This obviously means that we are going to need better technology. We'll need technology that will be able to give us a full color representation of your completely nude body, but only if you're a hot chick. - Your Friendly local TSA Agent

      Bah, There's nothing for the female TSA Agents. I suggest only hot guys get scanned. I don't think slashdotters need apply.

    2. Re:Better technology by Jstlook · · Score: 5, Funny

      This obviously means that we are going to need better technology. We'll need technology that will be able to give us a full color representation of your completely nude body, but only if you're a hot chick.

      "Attention passengers, please form 3 lines.

      All hot chicks, please line up to your far left, at ramp #1 to scanner, for full color internet/youtube-connected body scanner followed by enhanced patdown.

      All normal chicks, please line up at ramp #2 for enhanced pat down and quick scan

      All men, please line up at ramp #3, for metal detector.

      All felons and terrorists, please move along.
      All children, remember that this is the way society has always operated, and is considered normal. No, really -- our Constitution approves of it. Please follow Officer McCarthy for a "special" pat-down.

      My apologies for what's likely flamebait. If you're going to paint idealized forms of what this will end up being, at least follow through. Seriously, when I read the first two, I'm all for it. I read the third line, and I wouldn't really mind because I've dealt with metal detectors for years. Add on the next line, and I start to feel a bit uncomfortable, because suddenly I have to wonder how different from reality this really is. The last line makes me wonder what legacy we will leave our future.

      --
      ---jstlook ---For that is the way of Elves, for they say both yes AND no, and mean every word of it. --- J.R.R.T.
  2. Re:It's theater... by beakerMeep · · Score: 5, Funny

    Not to sound like a [ Buffering.... ]

    --
    meep