Airport scanners: can they get acceptance?

Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a 23-year-old Nigerian educated in London, was foiled in his attempt to blow up a flight to Detroit on Christmas Day.It threatened the governments worldwide so much that now everyone wants to install x-ray scanners in the airports all over.


They are being tried at Manchester airport, following tests at Heathrow from 2004 to 2008. These scanners reveal everything under the clothing and show a clear outline of a passenger’s body. The scanner uses a low energy x ray to reveal object or metal under a person’s cloths including the body features. This technology will enable the airport staffs instantly to identify any weapon or explosives on a passenger’s body.

Those who oppose the introduction of airport scanners have two main complaints. Firstly, they think these scanners are ineffective. They may not pick up low-density objects, such as the explosive carried by the Christmas bomber and they are very expensive too. The same amount of money can be invested in something that works better.

Secondly, they don’t want their bodies to be so clearly scanned. They find it embarrassing. It might gain more public acceptance if the face and genitals of the passenger are blurred.

Yet another issue
Apart from these, there is yet another issue acting as hindrance in the installation of these scanners.
The child protection experts have warned that the image produced by these scanners may break the law which prevents the creation of an indecent image of a child. Hence, it should not be used to scan anyone under-18. But, isn’t it necessary to scan the youngsters as well? They can be used as an easy medium for passing explosives and other deadly substances.
This technology can definitely add up to the security of the airlines but, there are people who find it unacceptable and controversial.