TSA Introduces New Generic Body Images (VIDEO)

The TSA has responded to its critics by introducing a more modest image of passengers, according to the Associated Press.

Instead of an image of a specific passenger appearing on the screen (which garnered its fair share of criticisms over the last few months), now a generic image, almost like an outline of a body, will appear.

Pistole addressed the new images at Reagan International Airport saying: "We believe it addresses the privacy issues that have been raised."

Passengers can even look at their images after they go through the scanner, in an attempt to show more transparency on the part of the TSA.

The new images will first be tried at Reagan, Atlanta-Hartsfield and Las Vegas-McCarren in the coming days before being rolled out across the country.

WATCH:

Comments

[TxGrandma FourTwenty]

05:22 PM on 02/07/2011

TSA is a big joke by "big brother." If they were so concerned about terrorists, how come there is no TSA at Cruise Ship Terminals? Thousands of cruise ships go out daily. NO TSA, only "their" hired security, no scanners, no free feel offs and no big deal just like it was before 911.

We are so on to TSA its pathetic.

[thwartedvillainy]

01:10 AM on 02/07/2011

The sound of big brother: "Would you just go through the scanner? We all have flights to catch!"

[Derek Spisak]

01:37 AM on 02/04/2011

So why are they rooting through passenger's wallets? Even going so far to pull out credit cards and look at photos?

This is all ridiculous.

I refused to put my wallet and cash on the conveyor (with my back to it) and get the full grope even with going through the scanner.

[fisher1949]

05:59 AM on 02/03/2011

They said it produces a generic image that "travelers" see but didn't say that the viewer in the back room doesn't still see a graphic image of the passenger's private areas. Sounds to me like a lie by omission.
Pistole didn't volunteer to be scanned so I assume he didn't want someone in TSA viewing his attributes like the TSO in FL that was taunted by his fellow screeners about the size of his manhood.
This also doesn't address the images seen on the backscatter scanners (aka cancer boxes) that produce an even more graphic than the MMW scanners. See image at:
http://scrapthescanners.wordpress.com/2010/10/30/rapiscan-backscatter-scanners-reflection-and-absorption/
It also doesn't address the radiation concerns or the invasive groping of breasts and privates that the TSO will do on passengers even if they are scanned. In Germany a full one third of passengers using these are being frisked after being scanned. So where is the "improvement" again?

[Bj Smith]

12:04 AM on 02/03/2011

The picture that is being offered to the passenger for viewing is a generic overlay. Anyone familiar with "Photoshop" or "MS Paint" is familiar with the process; it's called layering.
The body image is still being scanned and the image is the same. The viewing agent need only to press a default button to see it.If a passenger requests a view they will be shown the generic pattern.
What...did you really think TSA would replace the already implemented "Backscatter" machines? Just more propaganda folks, move along...

[bernusdellus]

11:19 PM on 02/02/2011

Crikey! A sensible approach from a government agency. Could be a first.

[Kalifornian818]

11:11 PM on 02/02/2011

can you say cancer?

[Pandoras Folly]

04:33 PM on 02/02/2011

Is it illegal to videotape the TSA folks doing pat downs? i think i might make that my standard operating practices if my family flies.

[nevernot]

11:24 AM on 02/03/2011

No, it is not illegal to video them. There is restrictions on taping the screens of the scanners and every airport has it's own set of rules so you should verify first but there's explicit permission to film the TSA on the law books.

[Pandoras Folly]

05:06 PM on 02/03/2011

nice.

[biffthuringer]

03:00 PM on 02/02/2011

What difference does it make whether a TSA agent can see your junk or not? The backscatter scanners -- foisted on the TSA in the U.S. by Rapiscan lobbyist/former DHS secretary Michael Chertoff -- are dangerous and, according to a number of experts, can be easily thwarted by anyone with a slab of foam latex and a can of FX-grade putty. Even a large pancake can disguise a handgun.
Although such issues were intentionally not addressed for security reasons, the video posted below from After the Press (afterthepress.com) has broken through the major media hyperbole barrier to answer the real questions about what’s wrong with these machines. Neither of the interviewees, two of the most reputable scientists in the field of radiation physics and technology, will step into one. So whether or not you’re offended by the prospect of becoming the subject of a live peepshow for blue-gloved agents, or care about your rights being abrogated, you’ll still want to be cognizant of the danger in subjecting your or your children's bodies to backscatter radiation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eS0UxXDNs4w

[twninja]

02:34 PM on 02/02/2011

How much more is that gonna cost for all the airport around the country?

[intelliwoman]

01:43 PM on 02/02/2011

More BS

[redrover6543]

01:12 PM on 02/02/2011

I want to extend my sincere congratulations to the TSA and Big Sis for finally bumbling into technology that far smaller countries, less rich and presumably not near as clever and sophisticated as us.... have been using all along.

[Weavrmom]

01:27 PM on 02/02/2011

WTF? This backscatter technology is an ineffective and possibly unsafe boondoggle. Don't know where you're getting your info, but most countries have rejected this technology, and are using safer cheaper alternatives. Privacy concerns are a fig-leaf attempting to cover up the government's total disregard for public safety in this instance.

[redrover6543]

01:54 PM on 02/02/2011

Dear WTF,

You make my point.

Thanks.

[Chivas]

12:06 PM on 02/02/2011

It was exactly like this:

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2139214&l=07f9f3d10b&id=1426680828

[Cody Wetzel]

11:17 AM on 02/02/2011

This is a great solution! I assume that they technician can still view the old style image if wanted though as the software is only translating the original image.

[intelliwoman]

01:44 PM on 02/02/2011

Right. When will you folks stop drinking the Kool Aid and understand that NONE OF THIS STUFF WORKS ANYWAY!!!!!!

[Cody Wetzel]

02:03 PM on 02/02/2011

????

This is a place for intelligent discussion. Please provide some.

[HarmNone]

10:44 AM on 02/02/2011

And, isn't this still an x-ray with radiation? Are they still groping people afterward? Still not flying until TSA stops ALL of this theater. The fact that they are attempting changes shows that all of this isn't about anyone's safety.

[Weavrmom]

01:18 PM on 02/02/2011

Yes, this does not address serious safety concerns associated with the backscatter scanners. This is a bogus distraction from the real concerns--aside from the fact that this is ineffective security theater--that this technology is unsafe and ineffective, and that the gate-rape groping is unacceptable.

TSA, clueless as always. My family is still not flying, and I hope that the airlines are feeling it. Only if bottom lines are effected with anything change. That, or the obvious happens and a bomb targets the crowds conveniently assembled in airports by the TSA for the purpose of security theater.I weep for the utter stupidity and waste.

[themainpoint]

04:24 PM on 02/02/2011

They will probably still grope people who don't want to be radiated. That's how they convince many to get into these machines that pilots won't get into,many scientists say are dangerous and other countries have banned due to safety concerns.

Somebody has a lot of money riding on the sale of these machines to many more airports around the country---no matter the safety, the efficacy or the absurd claim that it is done in the name of national security when our borders are wide open anyway.-