TSA Finishes Removing "Virtual Nude" X-Ray Devices From US Airports

dsinc writes "The Transportation Security Administration announced it has finished removing from all airports the X-ray technology that produced graphic and controversial images of passengers passing through security screening checkpoints. The machines, which the TSA first deployed in 2008, provoked public outrage as the technology, better able than traditional X-rays to detect hidden contraband, also created images that appeared as if they were 'virtual nudes.' Critics called this an invasion of privacy and questioned whether the scanning devices truly lacked the ability to save the images, as the TSA claimed."

Comments

Analog hole

[Anonymous Coward]

The analog hole always existed, and always will. If one of the TSA Molesters, err, Protectors, saw an image on the screen they wanted to keep, all they had to do was hold up their cell phone and snap a pic.

Their arguments about how TSA agents aren't able to save the generated images is and always was total bullshit.

Re:Analog hole

[Jockle]

Now all they need to do is remove themselves from US airports, and preferably, from the US itself!

Re:Analog hole

[peragrin]

While I agree with you in concept. I would point out in 4 years no random photos of celebrities, hot women, etc found their way onto the internet.

I was fully expecting for the TSA have to denouce some photos and fire a few people by now for actually having leaked some photos.

Of course that doesn't mean the ability doesn't exist just means that those with access are keeping their mouths shut and are behaving. not impossible but I do find it unlikely.

Claim: Verified

[girlintraining]

Critics called this an invasion of privacy and questioned whether the scanning devices truly lacked the ability to save the images, as the TSA claimed."

It has always had the ability to save such images; The TSA merely claimed that such a 'diagnostic mode' was not available during normal operation. There is no way for you, the passenger, to know if and when it is in such a diagnostic mode, however. So the TSA's claim is technically true.

But since the radiation levels have also not been published, it's also technically true that the radiation levels are safe, in spite of those cancer clusters showing up, because the TSA says they're safe and therefore there is no need to publish the emission limits.

In other words... all you have to go on is their word in both cases. Which, given as many times as their statements haven't been found to be credible, is no assurance at all.

Re:Misleading summary, as usual

[tftp]

As a UKian, I would like to play devils advocate: if it stops one single delusional nutter from murdering upwards of 200 people

It appears to be the mainstream opinion in the UK, judging by the fact that the Prime Minister still has the office.

I wonder, is there anything that the UK population will not submit to, if submission saves the life of one abstract child?

Re:Misleading summary, as usual

[Jockle]

As a UKian, I would like to play devils advocate: if it stops one single delusional nutter from murdering upwards of 200 people in one easy stroke because the voices in their head told them to, and the only thing between that latent human homicidal psychosis and my safety is a porno machine, what do I care how many 3d pictures of my cock I have to give up?

That's not a very good devil's advocate because it is easily debunked. Rights are far more important than safety, and you could use that same argument to justify molesting people at random, regardless of their location. If one nut is stopped, who cares about silly old rights!?

That is extremely dangerous thinking, but I fear that most people truly believe such nonsense.