'Naked' body scanner for Manchester Airport
'Naked' body scanner for Manchester Airport
A 'naked' body scanner is being trialled at Manchester Airport. The x-ray machine is intended to speed up security checks.
The scanner displays what the BBC calls "naked" images of passengers. Authorities say that the machine will quickly reveal any concealed weapons or explosives. However, the images will also show up private details such as breast enlargements, body piercings and an outline of passengers' genitals.
Manchester Airport assures that all images will be destroyed immediately and that passengers are likely to prefer the new search method. "This scanner completely takes away the need to undress," said the airport's Sarah Barrett, head of customer experience.
Barrett explained that many travellers don't like the traditional 'pat down' search. The new scanner means that people will no longer have to take off their shoes, coats and belts as they go through security checks.
The scanners are "super safe", Barrett added. "Passengers can go through this machine 5,000 times a year without worrying. The amount of radiation transmitted is tiny." Nevertheless, should travellers not wish to use the new scanner they can refuse to do so.
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