New Airport Body Scanners Will Allow For More Privacy
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Transportation Security Administration will soon begin using new software, which doesn't show naked images of those who go through body scanners.
The Automated Target Recognition software automatically spots items that could pose a possible threat by using a generic outline of a person for all travelers. If no threat is indicated, an 'OK' is indicated on the monitor, and the passenger is cleared; however, if a risk is present, a passenger will then require additional screening.
The agency also said that a separate TSA officer will not be required to see the image in a remote viewing room.
CBS 2's Kris Habermehl reports the software initially will be put into use at 40 airports, among them Chicago airports – although it was not specified whether O'Hare or Midway International Airport, or both, would be among the first to get the new machines. The airports in Detroit, Dallas, Miami and Newark will also get the new machines.
This upgrade will be installed on all its millimeter wave Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines in the next couple of months. About roughly 500 of the millimeter wave machines will get the new software.
The announcement follows recent complaints regarding that the full-body machines, which shows a passenger's naked body, as well as previous controversial TSA screening procedures that some have described as invasive.
CBS News contributed to this report.
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