Coated.com

It’s official, touted as “the wave of the future,” the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that they will be adding body scanning machines to ten of the busiest airports in the USA. These scanners use a technology known as millimeter waves which bounce off of travelers to reveal what is under their clothing.

Not everyone will be subjected to this level of inspection, at least not yet. However, those travelers that are flagged for additional scrutiny will step into a 9-foot-tall glass booth. Once inside, the door will slide around the chamber to create the body image.

At this time, the inspection by millimeter scanners is optional. Those that refuse to be subjected to the intrusive nature of this device will still have the option for being padded down by a security guard, although, it sounds like there will be a real push to implement the millimeter scanners in all areas where added security is required such as railroad stations, arenas and office buildings.

One of the biggest issues that consumer advocate groups raise is that of privacy. The TSA recognizes this fact and does say that in an effort to maintain privacy, faces are blurred and all images are deleted right after viewing. These images are rather detailed and you can certainly tell the gender of the person. In fact, the level of detail is so great that it is being reported that you will be able to see the sweat on a man’s back with the scanners.

Via: Gizmohacker