TSA adopts new screening units at airports for privacy

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said it plans to expand the adoption of its new screening machines at airports around the nation, following many complaints regarding privacy by passengers.

Current imaging technology, the passenger-specific image which shows the specific images of the body, was first adopted in 2009 after an attempted terrorist attack on an airplane. Although it claims to have significantly reduced the attempted terror attacks by detecting possible dangers, there have been constant complaints that it violates people’s privacy.

In order to mitigate the complaints, TSA has come up with Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) which is more efficient and enhances privacy protection.

TSA Administrator John Pistole said, "Testing this new software will help us confirm test results that indicate it can provide the same high level of security as current imaging technology units while further enhancing the privacy protections already in place."

The new technology automatically detects potential threat items and indicates their location on the monitor without showing the specific image of the body. If there are no potential threat items, the monitor will not show any locations and will show the ok sign.

TSA adopted this technology at Las Vegas McCarran International airport on Feb. 2, and is planning to deploy it at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in the near future. There are currently about 500 imaging technology units at 78 airports nationwide and TSA is planning to deploy more AIT units at airports.