Developing: Pakistani Plane Escorted by UK Fighter Jets — 2 Men Arrested

Doc Thompson’s 24-hour radio marathon, ‘#24forok,’ continues until 9 am ET — Listen Live!

Government

TSA Now Says All ‘Nude’ Body Scanners Will Be Pulled (But Similar-Looking Machines Are Staying)

Jan. 18, 2013 12:24pm Jonathon M. Seidl

TSA to pull all backscatter x ray scanners

These two sets of images provided by the Transportation Security Administration are samples that show details of what TSA officers see on computer monitors when passengers pass through airport body scanners. At left are two images using backscatter advanced image X-ray technology from the huge scanners that were introduced in 2010 at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago and other airports. At right are images from new scanners using new millimeter wave technology that produces a cartoon-like outline rather than naked images of passengers produced by using X-rays. Credit: AP

WASHINGTON (TheBlaze/AP) — The Transportation Security Administration confirms that it is getting rid of airport body scanners that produce a naked image of travelers.

Right now the TSA uses two types of scanners. One (the millimeter wave scanner) makes a generic image showing where agents should look for an object on the traveler’s body. Those scanners are staying.

The other kind of scanner (the backscatters) uses X-rays. They raised privacy concerns because they show metal objects on the traveler’s body – along with every other detail, too.

News of a change first came out in October, when the TSA confirmed that the backscatter machines would be replaced by the millimeter wave ones in major airports. However, at the time, the TSA maintained that the x-ray ones were not being phased out completely. That’s now changed.

Confused as to the difference between the two types of machines? TheBlaze’s Liz Klimas pointed out the differences in two pictures this fall:

A millimeter wave scanner is on the left and a backscatter X-ray is on the right. (Image: ProPublica)

This shows the difference in what the system shows between millimeter wave scanner (left) and backscatter (right). (Image: ProPublica)

Congress has mandated that the x-ray scanners be changed or removed by June and the TSA says that will be the case.

It says the company that makes them, Rapiscan, was not able to come up with a software fix to make the scanners comply with the Congressional mandate.

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Back to The Blaze »

Comments (47)

Tom70
Posted on January 19, 2013 at 1:58pm
I just can’t help the mental image of some fat dude sitting in a dark room with his pants down scanning the people going through the scan.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
RDavis49
Posted on January 19, 2013 at 1:27pm
Thank goodness…… I didn’t want to fly because I was afraid they would see the mole on my buttocks.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
suz
Posted on January 19, 2013 at 3:31am
all i want to know is if the millimeter wave scanner harmful on any level.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- hi
  Posted on January 19, 2013 at 2:44pm
  Yes I looked it up. It isn’t “radiation” but the particles are smaller than DNA. If something is smaller than DNA, it can damage it, even if it isn’t “radiation.”
  
  Report this comment
- averageman
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 7:34am
  yes; it destroys your Constitutional rights.
  
  Report this comment
commoncents01
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 11:02pm
There’s another article here: http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/aviation/safety/the-truth-about-tsa-airport-scanning. That shows 2 different types of images. The backscatter one is the rectangle type hallway scanner that shows up vividly detailed 3D images, like the pic you show above. That is the one that they are getting rid of. The round scanner with the very basic human diagram image that you show above is fine, if that is really all it shows. The link that I have above shows a very different image coming from the round scanners. The attached article shows the backscatter images on the left & the millimeter (round) images on the right. I don’t like the images that this other article shows. Which article/images are correct?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
MCLOVINIT
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 8:56pm
What about the pervert patdowns by the LGBT TSA ****?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Deep_breaths
  Posted on January 19, 2013 at 6:47am
  Regardless of personal opinion, it is unarguably rude to say that not just all LGBT folks are perverts, but that only LGBT are. How often do you think there is some screwed up crap going on from straight guys on girls, or even on other guys just to make them feel uncomfortable.
  I’m getting really sick of people saying they support freedom and righteousness, then they go on to be a complete and utter knee-biter (for lack of a more appropriate, uncensored word).
  
  Report this comment
AlaskaismyEden
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 8:23pm
NEVER FLYING U.S. AIRLINES AGAIN, or at least as long as we have the gestapo (read TSA) on the job. This type of security is a joke. Little people given a bit of power, which only goes to their heads. And these scanners?! They tell us they’re safe, just like the fluoride in our water… then you read that wherever there is fluoridated water, the kids’ IQs are in the toilet. Yeah… those scanners are safe… as of today. What will they tell us about them tomorrow? Besides, flying is a really good way to get sick. I haven’t taken a flight in the last 10 years that I didn’t catch a bug on the plane. I’d rather drive the backroads and support the mom and pops while I still can.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- AnimalsAsLeaders
  Posted on January 19, 2013 at 10:52am
  *sob* and the GMO’s and the fluoride *sob* and the TSA molesting our children to prepare them for the pedophile government *sob*
  
  Now where have I heard this before…
  
  Report this comment
valleyfever
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 7:38pm
Guess we taxpayers funded this fiasco too. Anybody concerned about the number of muslim cabdrivers parked outside the terminal?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
media-bias-steals-elections
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 6:53pm
I will never fly again, even if it means I have to flip burgers for a living. Take that to the political bank, and cash that check?

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Jake Dog2
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 5:00pm
Which one of Obama’s buddies made millions on this farce.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- RDavis49
  Posted on January 19, 2013 at 1:29pm
  This is a trick question, right? Everyone knows ALL of them have made millions.
  
  Report this comment
MadeMyDay
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 4:04pm
How much $ did those cost us?

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- RDavis49
  Posted on January 19, 2013 at 1:30pm
  Watch your tax increases and you’ll figure it out for sure…
  
  Report this comment
Silversmith
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 3:27pm
I always opt out of these things. I have little to no faith that they know, or give a damn, about their effects on the public.

Silversmith

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Knightmare
  Posted on January 19, 2013 at 12:19pm
  It’s a conspiracy! I would have to say. It’s the government way of sterilization of the masses!
  
  Report this comment
barber2
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 2:11pm
Just another big waste of our tax payers’ money .

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
piper60
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 2:10pm
Why am I not surprised that the first version they came up with was a privacy problem. The new ones do look like they will be better. The old ones are why I haven’t flown since 9/11.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
GoodStuff
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 2:03pm
Now get rid of the TSA and privatize airport security, then maybe I’ll feel better.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
South Philly Boy
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 1:41pm
NEVER ENDING Spending and of WAST of MONEY

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
jungle J
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 1:30pm
So many of you are either naive or stupid! Follow the money on this deal and you will see what the progressives are doing.They never relinquish power unless there is money or more power atttached.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Julinka
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 1:22pm
Didn’t they initially tell us the TSA didn’t see such detailed images unless they pressed a certain button? Apparently not…this is actually worse than I had thought.

But it’s very encouraging to see others also feel strongly about not flying. Everyone else I know still flies and think I’m being extreme by not not wanting to fly…

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
progressiveslayer
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 1:06pm
I stopped flying when the stasi was formed and given the power to fondel my junk in public. If enough of us did the same and it affected the airlines pocket book the TSA molesters would be out of a job. Wait they’re federal employee union members now so they can’t be fired,they’ll continue fondeling old ladies and kids and stealing from luggage.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
john vincent
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 1:02pm
It appears common sense is prevailing, but watch for some other back door grab- one hand giveth, the other taketh away- pay attention to what follows

http://sienna48.blog.com/2010/11/17/airport-scans-harbinger-of-things-to-come/

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 12:58pm
Translation – they say the machines are gone when they will still be there, the TSA needs to be disbanded completely along with Homeland security.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- progressiveslayer
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 1:16pm
  Agreed and the sooner the better but unfortunately for us I think they’re here for good.
  
  Report this comment
hempstead1944
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 12:55pm
To all you people who act like cattle when embarking on air travel…..you are welcomed to it. I wonder how well it would go if all you cattle, I mean people, decided not to fly for, oh, say a couple of months? Between Boeing’s batteries and a couple of months of no customers for the airlines, I bet the government might reconsider this abuse of their citizens? Okay, probably not.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- progressiveslayer
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 1:14pm
  Nah it’s too much fun for the communist pigs in power to give up any power and control they have over their slaves.The TSA like most all other illegal agenciess are here for good,molesters and thieves the lot of them.
  
  Report this comment
- ONLY4UANDME
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 1:24pm
  You can’t even get people to open their eyes when it comes time to vote. Sorry to say it but this Cattle Country is ripe for the pickens.
  
  Report this comment
FISH_BONE
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 12:53pm
No more nude body scans at the airport? No reason for SENDTHEMETEORS to loiter at the airport now.

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Fubared
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 5:13pm
  Well now, encinom could be in the lav hanging out. Foot a tap tap tapping in the stall. Cope springs eternal.
  
  Report this comment
Chuck7884
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 12:49pm
I would be more worried about the scanner using x-rays. dentists put a lead lined blanket covering you reproductive systems while x-raying just your teeth Hospitals do the same thing.

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply
civilwarcometh
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 12:43pm
If you don’t like the TSA stop flying or STFU. Go on strike stop flying. Stop letting the communist take over stand up or be sheep……

Report this comment
Log in to ReplyReply
- Unbelievable
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 12:54pm
  I have stopped flying and I will continue until our government quits sexually assualting law-abiding American citizens. And NO, I WILL NOT STFU!!!
  
  Report this comment
- loriann12
  Posted on January 18, 2013 at 12:57pm
  I agree. I stopped flying. I’m a cancer patient with a power port, a prosthetic breast…I can’t imagine what kind of treatment I’d get.
  
  Report this comment
702TruthSeeker
Posted on January 18, 2013 at 12:31pm
The silver one always reminded me of the medical scanner in Idiocracy, the one with the unlabeled probes, one of which goes in patient’s rear. If you haven’t seen the movie, you absolutely must

Report this comment
Log in to Reply Reply

It appears that you have Javascript Disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser preferences for a better user experience on TheBlaze. You can not comment without Javascript enabled.