TSA to eliminate passenger-specific images on body scanners

The Transportation Security Administration said Wednesday that new technology would allow it to eliminate identifiable images of passengers who pass through its full-body X-ray scanners.

TSA said Wednesday that new software would allow the controversial scanners, which some argue invade passengers' privacy, to identify potential threats on a generic image that would be used for all passengers. Presently, problem areas are pointed out on an image of the individual passenger that is viewed by a TSA official in a room separate from the room in which a passenger is being scanned.

TSA said the change will allow passengers to see the same image its officers see by eliminating the concern for privacy. It will also eliminate the need for the second, off-site officer, the agency said.

“Our top priority is the safety of the traveling public, and TSA constantly strives to explore and implement new technologies that enhance security and strengthen privacy protections for the traveling public,” TSA Administrator John Pistole said Wednesday in a written statement. “This software upgrade enables us to continue providing a high level of security through advanced imaging technology screening, while improving the passenger experience at checkpoints.”

The technology that will be used was tested in February at three airports: Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International, Las Vegas's McCarran International and Washington's Ronald Reagan National Airport, where TSA held a press conference Wednesday to tout the new software.

TSA operates about 500 body scanners, formally called Advanced Imaging Technology machines, at 78 airports across the country. The new software is known as Automated Target Recognition.

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