Well it didn’t take long to get the Nude-o-Scopes out into the open in the United Kingdom.
The Millimetre Wave Scanners which will solve all terrorist issues (actually they won’t) are now in operation at London Heathrow and Manchester Airport T2. If one is selected by security staff, one must go through the scanner – or else one will not be allowed aboard.
It’s important to note that if selected, there is NO option of pat-down – you must go through the scanner or you won’t fly.
Birmingham International is to follow it is own sweet time, with more machines to go live later this month at LHR and MAN (Including MAN T1 and T3).
Adults and Children can be selected for scanning with all the privacy issues that brings.
Of course to prevent abuse a code of practice has been published (and of course, we all know a code of practice stops everyone in their tracks). This includes:
- Passengers should be informed as early as possible that they may face a the Nude-o-Scope (before a ticket is purchased in the best scenario)
- The security officer looking at images is put out of sight of passengers.
- People chosen for scanning can ask for the images to be viewed by someone of the same sex.
- Images will be deleted once scanning is completed.
- Security officers must obtain appropriate security clearances before receiving training
- Training for Nude-o-Scopes must be approved by the Department of Transport.
The code states: ”
Passengers must not be selected on the basis of personal characteristics (i.e. on a basis that may constitute discrimination such as gender, age, race or ethnic origin).”
In other words, completely random at a security officers whim of course.
Scanners must be operated in accordance with detailed protocols which are not published because, they contain security sensitive information which includes selection criteria on those chosen for scanning.
However, the code of practice has been published for all to see at: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/security/aviation/airport/bodyscanners/codeofpractice/ with the announcement by Lord Adonis (someone has possible bed trouble with a name like that) at http://www.dft.gov.uk/press/speechesstatements/statements/adonis20100201
My opinion? I have tickets for sale for “Security Theatre”. Playing now at Heathrow, Manchester and soon to be Birmingham…
In addition, the flippant term of Nude-o-Scope is to be applied in any post forward regarding Millimetre Wave Scanners in an effort to educate the public about this wonderful invasion of privacy that quite frankly doesn’t work.
Hattip: The Register
