Using Full Body Scanners: Is That Really Necessary?

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Since the terrorism attack happened on September 11th 2001, many countries have realized the significance of this serious security issue, and they have begun to crack down on terrorism, and are actively participating in anti-terrorism cooperation for strengthening national security. Scientists have developed technology and research into high performance safeguards. Some fundamental safety equipment is used at the airports for checking out hazardous materials among the passengers. The full body scanner is a typical example being used at airports for safety inspections, and it shows the newest airport security technology. It mainly uses the x-ray or the millimeter-wave for scattering through and reflecting objects on the body. After scanning, the information will be sent to a computer, and “naked images” will be shown on the screen (Eaton, 2009).

Nevertheless, using full body scanners has caused much public debate. Its validity and technical effectiveness have been called into question: whether it is really effective and complete, and dose using the full body scanner violate human rights and harm human health? Also, is the data secure? The government cannot ignore those questions; it should investigate some of the negative effects of using the full body scanner, and carefully solve whether the full body scanner should be used universally at all airports.

Recently, the explosive was easily detected by a full body scan of a terrorist on Christmas Day, and it completely thwarted an attack, which was aimed at Detroit (Lekic, 2010). The benefits of the full body scanner were evidenced again; thus, many countries want to buy it for their airport security. Based on his report, Dr Cavoukian states the full body scanners principally includ...

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... nations divided over use of body scanners at European airports; UK and the Dutch in favor Retrieved February 7, 2010, from Simple Thoughts: http://blog.taragana.com/index.php/archive/eu-nations-divided-over-use-of-body-scanners-at-european-airports-uk-and-the-dutch-in-favor/

Stanton, K. (2010, January 12). Airport Body Scanners: Security or Invasion of Privacy? Retrieved February 7, 2010, from NewsHour Extra: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/features/us/jan-june10/security_01-12.html

Tessler, J. (2009, December 31). Airport full-body scanners have benefits, and limits. Retrieved February 5, 2010, from Denver Post : http://www.denverpost.com/nationalpolitics/ci_14097796

Wald, M. L. (2010 , January 8). Cancer Risks Debated for Type of X-Ray Scan. Retrieved February 5, 2010 , from the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/09/health/09scanner.html

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