New Body Scanners Improve Public Security
Strasbourg -- 15 November, 2011
New rules proposed by the European Commission today for the use of body scanners at airports will give passengers greater choice and protection when travelling around the EU.
Body scanners have been increasingly used across EU airports. They either display an outline of the passenger's body, or project possible suspicious items on a generic outline of a human figure. There has been concern in the past regarding the lack of transparency surrounding their introduction.
Today's proposals would ensure that any images are not stored or copied, and they would require the staff analysing the images to be in a separate room from where the screening is conducted. They also require passengers to be given the option of choosing an alternative method of screening. The 'no scan, no fly' policy in the UK has proven to be controversial, particularly for those concerned about the health risks.
The new rules also ban the use of x-ray technology which has raised concerns regarding long-term health consequences.
Here is what I said specifically on the issue:
"Body scanners can be an important tool in the fight against terrorism but is should be up to national Governments whether border agencies use them. If they do there should be a clear set of rules in place that protect passengers' dignity and liberties. The travelling public should be given the choice of a pat down if they do not wish to go through the scanner for privacy or health reasons.
"I receive a great deal of correspondence about body scanners. People are frustrated and concerned by the patchwork of rules that are in place, some of which seem far too heavy-handed.
"We can do more to improve passengers' faith in body scanners, so that they are seen as a useful tool in the fight against terrorism, rather than an airport peep show. These proposals are a good place to start."
