Scanning Complaints Detailed
The Electronic Privacy Information Center Tuesday released a list of more than 40 complaints filed by air travelers about the use of whole-body imaging machines.
The complaints were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request. The complaints are short and direct, where passengers generally said they believe the machines are invasive and violate their privacy.
"These documents reveal that many travelers are unhappy with the privacy and health implications of this technology," Ginger McCall, EPIC's staff counsel, said in a statement. "The documents also show that many travelers are not aware that they are being subjected to whole body imaging and are not informed of the option to have a pat down instead."
EPIC said it previously obtained documents for the scanners that reveal the machines can store and transfer high quality naked images of travelers, contrary to the claims of the Transportation Security Administration. TSA is in the midst of boosting the number of whole-body imaging machines used at airports across the country. The agency plans to buy and install 1,000 of the machines by the end of next year.
A TSA spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment. But the documents released under the FOIA request also included responses to the complaints. "We monitor the number and nature of complaints we receive to track trends and spot areas of concern that may require special attention," one TSA response stated. "This ongoing process will enable us to ensure prompt, corrective action whenever we determine that security-screening policies need modification or specific employees or screener teams are the subject of repeated complaints."
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