We applaud the move to enhance privacy unfortunately the new software is only a bandage and does nothing to address fundamental issues created by the scanner.  Like all software, it is not perfect the new software may make us less safe with trading common sense for blind reliance on high technology perhaps going backwards?  We understand the need for "security" however, when the health risk and lost of liberties is greater than the perceived "benefit." why bother?  

EPIC (Electronic Privacy Information Center) questions the move

Ginger McCall of the Electronic Privacy Information Center — a group that focuses attention on civil liberties issues — says it's unclear whether the new software will eliminate privacy concerns. She says the TSA must be more transparent about the capabilities of the software. "If the software is simply an overlay which still permits the machines to capture, store or transfer the graphic naked image, then it doesn't solve the privacy problems created by these machines," says McCall, a lawyer for the group.

AIT has not be proven effective

"The machines are not effective, so the new software is throwing money at a solution that's not a solution," says Kate Hanni, executive director of FlyersRights.org. "The machines won't find low-density powdered explosives, liquid explosives — or much more than the old metal detectors." TSA spokesman Nicholas Kimball says the machines "are the best technology currently available to detect well-concealed non-metallic explosives, which are among the most significant threats to our national security today."  We disagree.  

New "Privacy" Software Simply Window Dressing

We agree from what is known from public sources (patents, purchase requirements, court records, and FIOA's) the new software is merely window dressing.  Freedom is risky business being killed by a "terrorist" as smaller than being struck by lighting[6], why go to so much trouble to mitigate such a microscopic risk.  Why do we pay huge security fees, surrender our dignity and put our health at risk for "safety"? 

Twenty things to consider regarding whole- body scanner

1) Radiation is still used to perform the detailed digital strip search.

2) Independent verification of radiation levels has been resisted by DHS/TSA, the few released reports are heavily redacted making understanding of readings virtually impossible.[8] 

3) We do know the skin and underling tissues dose is at least 15-20x the internal whole body dose that is put forward by DHS and scanner manufactures.  Less penetrating backscatter x-rays (but still damaging to tissues and DNA) are not applicable to whole body dose metric of internal organ cancer risk.  Fortunately protective shielding is available, from Rocky Flats Gear.        

4) No matter how the TSA and courts twist and attempt to justify digital strip search and pat-downs still conflicts with the 4th amendment and basic human dignity.

5) The pat-downs put you at risk of disease transfer from unclean gloves. [9]

6)  Walking barefoot on unclean floors is just one more health risk.  Solution x-ray foot inspectors declared "safe" like the shoe fit x-ray machines removed for health reasons. [5]

7) Your fundamental right to travel, use the public airspace, unmolested is guaranteed by US law, the declaration of independence and the 1215 Magna Carte.     

8) We are told the radiation is NOT penetrating, for it to function basic physics requires it! So penetrating  in fact leg bones are clearly visible  revealing piercings, medical prosthetics such as breast and testicle implants.

9) Radiation does kill cells, damages DNA, and is a known carcinogen.  No safe level has been determined.  Sadly, TSA/DHS has avoided any independent review of the machines, noting to hide? 

10) Detailed high resolution images are still internally generated.  In fact machines can tell if men and boys are circumcised.  

11) Ionizing radiation has been known for decades to damage DNA, blood cells, and sperm men are at particular risk due to the large dose delivered directly to testicles.  Men should take steps to protect the family jewels and future generations.       

12) New powerful full transmission machines systems are being deployed in Jails and airports. Powerful walk through "total recall" scanners have been announced and are being deployed with the first system in Singapore's airport.  Systems like this are particularly dangerous to women and expecting mothers, privacy concerns aside.    

13) A 4x zoom function is basic function of all ATI systems required by the purchase specification.  We are shown "fuzzy" or  "stick" images be assured the detail images on HIGH DEFINITION color monitor are still available for remote or local viewing. 

12) The new "stick" figures are generated from the internal HIGH resolution image.

13) Detection algorithms are not perfect we would assume a mode is available for local or network (remote) viewing.  Lockheed Martin is assisting TSA in deploying passenger integration of systems, wireless technologies of existing airport infrastructure.[4]

14) Creates two classes of people as government employees, security, flight crews and airport employees are generally exempt from scanning to enter "secure" areas.[11]

15) Being a computer based system images must be stored as basic functionality and is required by the purchase requirements.   In fact 35,000 images were found stored in a Florida federal court house by a microwave based scanner not unlike airport equipment.

16) Similarly, images can still be moved or viewed over a network or stored to a USB drive.

Hundreds of systems in operation thousands planed.

17) TSA has announced plans in a 2009 GAO report to phase out metal detectors that have served us well for decades and replace them with AIT. 

18) In the same Feb 2009 GAO reports plans making AIT PRIMARY and increase the number of installed systems in airports and other locations.

19)  Populations such as children, elderly, expecting mothers, and people hyper-sensitive to radiation should avoid non-medically required radiation.

20) Secret remote scanning of people at sports venues, streets, public buildings has begun, with plans to expand was announced by DHS in a 2009 GAO report. The TSA says it expects all 241 millimeter-wave machines at 40 U.S. airports to be upgraded by the end of the year. The agency plans to test similar software in the fall for its 247 body-scanning "backscatter" devices, which use high-speed X-rays and emit a low dose of radiation.  TSA has plans to install 1800 systems by 2014, and plans to deploy scanners at train, bus, sport venues and jails.  Lockheed Martin was just awarded a 72 Million FRN contract to install 300 more systems in the eastern US. [4]   The same and similar systems are also being installed in US locations, various military bases and in war zones such as Afghanistan was announced by DOD[7] with the award of six 248 million FRN contracts. 

 Given a false choice   

Unfortunately travelers are given the false choice of a digital strip search or pat-down (detention frisk).  Sadly this powerful imaging equipment is often used for digital Video Voyeurism women with curves are more frequently selected for closer "inspection".  You can say NO to the scan via "OPT-OUT" or with radiation protective privacy items from Rocky Flats Gear.   We hope the people say no to this madness and the courts uphold our fundamental rights of dignity and protection of our body.   

TSA claims that the software's automatic detection capability eliminates the need for a TSA agent to look at a passenger's image in a viewing room but, does not say the remote viewing is disabled.  TSA claims the majority support the security procedures but at large Zogby poll tells just the opposite.[12] Many fliers have objected to having their "naked" images viewed by TSA personnel.  The move doesn't appease many consumer and privacy advocates who say the machines are a waste of money and represent an unlawful, virtual strip search of passengers.  They, we, physics Professors, and medical professionals are concerned that radiation from the X-ray devices is harmful.  Minimizing exposure time, increasing distance to radiation source and shielding are proven methods to protect your body from radiation. 

TSA STAFF GIVEN X-RAY VISION

While TSA is telling the traveling public that new "privacy" software shows a "stick" image they at the same time were running the banner titled "A CAREER WHERE X-RAY VISION AND FEDERAL BENEFITS COME STANDARD, Become a Transportation Security Office at Denver International Airport"[13].  Come work for us and we make you superman/superwoman with super benefits. 

Sadly, when people are given superman X-ray vision it is often abused as many already women know.  Rocky Flats Gear x-ray protective products are lead free not made from kryptonite but, the next best thing USA made independently tested. 

References:

[1] This is a required machine function in the purchase contract.

[2] Army deploys scanners in Afghanistan

 http://www.federaljack.com/?p=73534&cpage=1#comment-314141

[4] http://www.sacbee.com/2011/07/28/3801458/lockheed-martin-awarded-72m-to.html#ixzz1TVW6V9EW

[5] http://www.orau.org/ptp/collection/shoefittingfluor/shoe.htm

[6] http://www.lightningsafety.com/nlsi_pls/probability.html

[6] http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/medical.htm

[7]   $248,512,500 firm-fixed-price  contract for the procurement of non-intrusive inspection systems to provide the capability to scan personnel, vehicles, and cargo containers. http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4567

[8] http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2011-03-11-tsa-scans_N.htm

[9] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40339521/ns/health-infectious_diseases/

[10] Video Voyeurism Prevent Act  http://www.lewrockwell.com/orig5/mercola80.1.html

'Peeping Tom' Officer http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/austin-officer-indicted-on-two-counts

[11] http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2010/1119/Pilots-to-be-exempt-from-airport-scanners-intrusive-pat-downs

[12] http://www.zogby.com/news/2010/11/23/zogby-interactive-61-oppose-full-body-scans-and-tsa-pat-downs-48-will-seek-alternative-to-flying/

[13] TSA-Advert_15aug2011_denver  http://cache.specificmedia.com/creative/WWQD00139439.gif