Broken Promises? Body Scanner Stores 35,000 Pics, 100 Hit the Web
- Posted on November 16, 2010 at 12:48pm by
Jonathon M. Seidl
- Print »
- Email »
A scanner image obtained by the website Gizmodo, taken by a millimeter body scanner. (Photo: Gizmodo)
Remember the TSA’s promise that their advanced body scanners “cannot store, print, transmit or save the image, and the image is automatically deleted from the system”? That assertion is now being challenged after it has been revealed that a millimeter wave scanner did in fact store 35,000 images, 100 of which have now turned up on the internet.
An investigation by the website Gizmodo, following up on an admission by U.S. Marshals in Florida, reveals that at least one body scanner machine stored images that were later easily obtained using a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request.
It’s unclear if the images were stored intentionally or accidentally.
“The leaking of these photographs demonstrates the security limitations of not just this particular machine, but millimeter wave and x-ray backscatter body scanners operated by federal employees in our courthouses and by TSA officers in airports across the country,” Gizmodo’s article says. “That we can see these images today almost guarantees that others will be seeing similar images in the future.”
To be sure, the millimeter wave scanners are much less revealing than the x-ray scanners that have sparked the recent controversy. But the lack of detail offered by the millimeter scanner doesn’t erase the privacy concerns. And the TSA’s website includes the millimeter scanner in its promise that such machines “cannot” store pictures:
According to Gizmodo, sample pictures were removed from the scanner to honor the FOIA request and the machine was sent back to the manufacturer — with all the images still on it.
See all the photos here.
Popular Stories
MSNBC Host Snaps in Heated Segment: ‘What in the World Is Riskier Than Being a Poor Person in America?’ 695 Comments
Does Misstated Marathon Claim Prove Paul Ryan Is Dishonest? (POLL) 666 Comments
‘Jumah at the DNC’ Speaker: ‘Muslims Visited America Prior to Columbus’ & ‘It Was a Muslim’ Who Guided Him to the ‘New World’ 525 Comments
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 367 Comments
Obama: RNC Like Watching ‘Black-and-White TV’ Because Romney ‘Did Not Offer a Single New Idea’ 364 Comments
Faith
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 240 Comments- Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More
- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 254 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order Read More- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 147 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 300 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 240 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (172)
IM4GOD
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:46pmHas anyone SEEN these images .. my God, you can barely tell that it is a person.
Report Post »Come on .. do we want to feel safe on these planes or continue freaking out the entire flight everytime someone LOOKS different to us?
GeeWhiz
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 2:10pmThese are millimeter scanners, not the backscanners (with ionzing radiation) which are MUCH more detailed.
http://members.iinet.net.au/~jez/junk/bodyscanner.jpg
Two different animals, two different responses should be had to them.
Report Post »walkwithme1966
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 4:39pmI agree with you – I would rather be safe than not have TSA doing their job and get blown up in a plane.
Report Post »http://maboulette.wordpress.com
WTP
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:42pmI am not happy about airport security methods either, but for the most part I believe the TSA workers are doing the best they can under the circumstances to perform the task they have been assigned. If only we could get the machines to provide medical scans at the same time and notify travelers of potential medical problems seen by the computers, we could save some of our health care budget. Two birds with one stone. Yes, I can already hear the privacy bloggers screaming….just a thought.
tower7femacamp
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 8:44pmso were my Nazi’s they were very hard workers.
Report Post »hamptonsurfer
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:42pmpicture #6 is my ex girlfriend, i would recognize that mark anywhere. wonder where she was going?
Report Post »J.C. McGlynn
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:42pmBut Janet Napa-liar-tano said that would not happen. Just like all in present administration, “Blinders to the truth must be worn at all times.”
Report Post »VoiceofReason
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:41pm@BECKOFILE
They already have the home version, it was reported here on The Blaze.
Report Post »http://www.theblaze.com/stories/new-x-ray-technology-raises-privacy-questions/
J.C. McGlynn
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:38pmStop flying and those TSA buttheads will just show up giving pat downs (molestations) at traffic stops and train stations.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:53pmIf it gets to that, and it might, I think we all know what time it will be.
Simply existing and walking outside one’s home door does not mean you give up your rights. The 4th Amendment was put in place PRECISELY to keep the government from demanding searches and frisks of innocent people going about their business in public life (outside their home).
The 4th Amendment says I shouldn’t have to, human rights and dignity says I shouldn’t have to, however, I can Nazi-esque avoid airports. I cannot avoid walking outside my own door. Force me deal with these dangerous animals and I will not go quietly into that good night.
Report Post »Star Spangled
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:36pmAnd we’re back to …
“Anyone who trades liberty for security deserves neither liberty nor security”
Report Post »~ Benjamin Franklin
tobywil2
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:33pmIt would be interesting to know what effect these full body scanners are having on having on the volume of air travel. What is the effect of the body scanners on the bottom line of the carriers? Are the tyrants trying to set up a bailout so that the government will own domestic airlines? http://commonsense21c.com/
Report Post »workin4alivin
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:24pmwe are such wimps and they know it. stay home for the holidays, do business by phone, drive to somewhere and give the airlines a week without passengers and see what happens.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:39pmWimps? Whoyoutalkinaboutwillis?
We were planning a vacation this year, and had two destinations in mind. Either the Alsace-Lorraine regions of France and Germany (with excursions to Baden-Baden, Austria and perhaps Switzerland), or a nice trip down to Costa Rica.
Those are now off the table. We’d rather drive to New Hampshire or Montreal (from Columbus, Ohio) than subject our family to this dehumanizing crap. Probably New Hampshire, as I enjoy open carry. The call to the several airlines alerting them of this will occur this evening or tomorrow evening. :)
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 2:08pmGhost, I answered your question earlier but it didn’t post so I reposted it re: hunting.
Report Post »mrclean
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 4:51pmRemember the airlines were grounded for a few days after 9/11 and they all nearly went belly-up, admitting that just one day without income can put them out of business.
Report Post »GeeWhiz
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:20pmAt this point, I would like to see a Constitional law professor, expert in the fourth amendment to weigh in. Give him his own platform. Reading as a lay person, I”m finding this…
http://www.lectlaw.com/def/f081.htm
“Except in certain narrowly limited cases, the Court repeatedly has stated its ‘insist[ence] upon probable cause as a minimum requirement for a reasonable search permitted by the Constitution.’ Chambers v. Moreny, 399 U.S. 42, 51 (’70). Because ‘[t]he integrity of an individual’s person is a cherished value in our society,’ searches that invade bodily integrity cannot be executed as mere fishing expeditions to acquire useful evidence: ‘The interests in human dignity and privacy which the Fourth Amendment protects forbid any such intrusions on the mere chance that desired evidence might be obtained.’ Schmerber, 384 U.S. at 772, 769-70. ”
If this is true, how can this be justified? Another thing, TSA ‘agents’ aren‘t even ’sworn law enforcement officers’. What REAL authority do they have to do any searches of any kind?
A friend also found this on wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution
“Searches conducted at the United States border or the equivalent of the border (such as an international airport) may be conducted without a warrant or probable cause subject to the “border-search” exception.[67] Most border searches may be conducted entirely at random, without any level of suspicion, pursuant to U.S. Customs and Border Protection plenary search authority. However, searches that intrude upon a traveler’s personal dignity and privacy interests, such as strip and body cavity searches, must be supported by “reasonable suspicion.”[68] ”
So if even the airport is considered a ‘border’, they have to have ‘reasonable suspicion’. Woudln‘t a full body scan be considered a ’strip search’?
How can they argue that we‘re ALL ’suspcious’. That three year old kid that was searched is ‘suspicious’? Are they joking?
Seriously, we need some lawyers discussing this in the media…
Report Post »Noogan
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 3:31pmSeriously, I saw Jeffrey Toobin discussing it yesterday. He said it’s all legal. Don’t you just love it?! This is the same guy who freaked out over the PATRIOT ACT [which I still say is an abomination], but groping by TSA employees in an airport is A-OKAY. Toobin’s a moron.
Report Post »spikehb
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:17pmWe must stop fighting the system. You must surrender your rights & dignity so “Big Sis” can make you safe. You must be seen naked or felt up by a government bureaucrat prior to being allowed to proceed to the showers, er, the loading gates.
Report Post »spirited
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:14pmMuslims (especially men) are not gonna like this!
>No offense was intended.
Report Post »krjones
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:14pmTSA = Touch Sexual Areas – Time to abolish the TSA
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 8:43pmmine is TSA go ahead Try Something *******.
Report Post »Bigbird1960
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:13pmWith Janet (whats a border?) Napolitano at the helm of homeland security we can be assured to be one step behind the terrorists. Seeing as now the terrorists are implanting their ied’s in the cargo we are groping old white women, babies and pilots? We wont start on a plan for scanning the cargo until we loose a couple of planes. How can we have such a mass of incompetency at the helm of our most important agencies? Health care czar, Janet whats a border Napolitano? Eric whats a crime Holder? Nancy I have stage 4 rabies Pelosi? Not to mention the top b/o/o/b puppet of Sorros. Is it 2012 yet?
Report Post »RodT82721
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:12pmCaught again! The culture of the lie.
Report Post »This is the most corrupt administration since Nixon.
But at least Spooky dude is making out with these machines, it’s not a total loss for Barry and Sis and their good buddy and benefactor George.
Muslim terrorist don’t have to worry, they will not be required to enter these machines, wouldn’t want to upset anyone that might actually be a terrorist, when you can maul the public at large for the fun of it.
TattooQ
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:11pmThe government is synonymous with waste, fraud, abuse, and broken promises.
Report Post »Slick Zero
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:07pmWow, I just posted a link to this story in another thread.
Report Post »HouseNegro
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:06pmI want the tissue concession for the TSA. You can allways spot the Body Scanner operator. He has hair on his palms and is going blind…………
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:19pmgood one!!! did you see the pic of the TSA office that has the cartoon right on its computer screen of a picture to look like a children’s book cover, that has a terrified little boy facing 2 menacing pedophile TSA agents? the one had a nightstick-pointed probe in his hand. the title of the cartoon is “MY FIRST CAVITY SEARCH”. evidently the TSA thought that was just totally hilarious enough since it was their computer screensaver. .
good thing WE were not using that airport. everyone in that place would have heard about that instantly.
Report Post »RugDog
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:02pmAll forms of government are evil. Our is no different. No man or group of men should ever have authority over another man or group of men.
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:16pmAmen brother RugDog
I wonder how many years these machines were in development ?
Very convenient timing for the underware bomber don’t you think ?
http://amfix.blogs.cnn.com/2010/01/11/body-scanners-can-store-send-images-group-says/
The TSA specified in 2008 documents that the machines must have image storage and sending abilities, the Washington-based Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) said.
In the documents, obtained by the privacy group and provided to CNN, the TSA specifies that the body scanners it purchases must have the ability to store and send images when in “test mode.”
this was a result of the Bush Patriot Act, the day the Constitution died…..
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:17pmcheers
sic semper tyrannis!
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:26pm@RUGDOG
I concur wholeheartedly.
Report Post »Laus Deo Too
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:57pm@ Mrbutcher
Sic semper tyrannis is a Latin phrase meaning “thus always to tyrants.“ It is sometimes mistranslated as ”death to tyrants“ or ”down with the tyrant.” The phrase is thought to have originated with Marcus Junius Brutus during the assassination of Julius Caesar. It was later shouted by John Wilkes Booth during his assassination of Abraham Lincoln. It is also the official motto of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Report Post »feedupandreadytotakeaction
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:01pmI still like the idea of building something that everyone regardless of what they might be waring must walk into. Now “if” anyone should have any explosives on or in them they will automatically explode rending a safe trip for the rest of us.
This would make much easier and faster, when one goes off roll it out to be hosed out and ready to go again. While this may seem extreme I bet money the dam terrorist would think twice before attempting it.
Build them now!
Report Post »grandmommie
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:29pmHear, hear!! Sounds good, very good to me.
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 12:58pmtime to boycott the airports, folks.
I just cancelled my flight home for thanksgiving. I’ll be driving instead.
I recommend the same to all.
Report Post »MozarkDawg
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:20pmThere is no chance I give up my liberty for a little security with these things — you’ve got it right, MRBUTCHER. I couldn’t believe last night, Kimberly Guilfoyle saying this and the patdown were a small price to pay in order to ‘save lives’ — please already.
Any random person booking a flight to go from here to there in the States is not automatically suspect to criminal violation, there is simply no justification for violating our Amendment IV protections in this unreasonable manner.
Report Post »GrumpyCat
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 12:57pmWith government demonstrating such proficiency, don’t you itch to let them do something important such as run health care?
Report Post »Rowgue
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 12:57pmIt would have been pretty stupid to believe that the machine wasn’t storing images. If they actually found something they would need the images as evidence in any litigation proceedings. It would have to have the capability to store and print the images. I have no idea why the TSA made that statement, only a mental midget would have believed it.
Report Post »GhostOfJefferson
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:02pm@ROWGUE
Ding! Precisely.
It‘s revolting that we’re expected to give up our rights and dignity as human beings at the order of the government. If we accept this, expect cavity searches next (and I’m being serious). They’re seeing how far they can push. It’s time to say NO, and stick to our guns on it.
Report Post »smokie
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:08pmExactly, Ghost.
Report Post »It’s a means of demoralizing people and seeing how far they can take it. Everything is done in increments and steps.
Beckofile
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:29pmIf we accept this then why not a home version where they can scan your home for guns, gold or maybe the 5000 Year Leap. Better yet we could do this under the environmental or efficiency standards being set up as we blog? Here we go folks down the path of oppressive government. This is just a test of the emergency crisis testing solutions program.
Report Post »Beckofile
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:32pmJust as the government officials say, “the machine does not store information” but we forgot that it does come with an SD card slot. But as we said the machine does not store information?
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 2:44pmyes even cell phones store calls and all new cars have built in GPS whether you
Report Post »want it or not and that data is also saved forever.
Welcome to the NWO, 1984 Grid of Tyranny that’s Clintons,Bushes and now Obama.
Shoemaker
Posted on November 17, 2010 at 9:38pmSure, the machines can’t store the images….but the computer it’s hooked up to can!
Report Post »cubber
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 12:54pmLet’s just take a lesson from out Israeli friends. Profiling is the answer.
Report Post »untameable-kate
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:10pmProfile, profile, profile!! Yes. The people in Az who are of Mexican descent are crying about profiling with SB1070 and it drives me crazy, sorry but we are being overrun by MEXICANS not Sweeds or Irish or Africans but MEXICANS. If you don’t like being profiled then be angry at the Mexicans that are causing it not the law enforcement trying to curtail illegal immigration. Profile Mexicans and profile Middle Easterners. If the towel heads have a problem with that let them police thier own poeple and straighten this mess out.
Report Post »davecoolworld
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:12pmIsrael has it down to a science. They are not worried about being PC. They have been doing it for their very survival for a long time. Now they must train us, because our survival depends on it. Politically correctness be dammed.
Christie/Rubio 2012
Report Post »BurntHills
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:13pmyes, 3 yrs old blonde little white AMERICAN girls and elderly white Catholic nuns sure as hell DO NOT fit the middle-eastern and black/african profile of these vile MUSLIM TERRORISTS who KILL INNOCENT PEOPLE..
Report Post »Beckofile
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:24pmProfile? I say just stop legal or visitation visas from islamic countries. Can’t anyone see they are colonizing over here while we think scanners are bad they are getting ready to change the population dynamics just as they have in Francestan. Your worried about a picture of your junk while your kids will be ruled under a theocracy and Shria law. Look at the other hand. The scanner makes the population think the government is doing something but fail to do anything that will actually help much. And ask for an opposite gender pat down then tuck an American Peso in the TSA screeners pants. I am sure Napalitano will ask for a same sex pat down.
Report Post »HEARDENOUGHCRAP
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 10:05pmI don’t see the problem with profiling. It is a tool like any of the other tools authorities use to get the upper hand on crime…….and terrorism.
Report Post »HEARDENOUGHCRAP
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 10:18pmBeckofile – I like your thinking also. And, YES, I DO see the colonization problem. If it wouldn’t affect foreign trade, I would advocate CLOSING the borders until we get this under control. They are welcome to leave if they wamt to….just not come back. That goes for mexicans as well as muslims. Obama’s policies have made me look at foreigners a lot differently than I used to. Of course, the FIRST muslim I want to go is the FIRST MUSLIM. Maybe he can get 3 rickity boats and GO find Obamastan.
Report Post »justinshanley
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 12:53pmis anyone really shocked by this?
yet another case of the government lying to us…
Report Post »snowleopard3200 {mix art}
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:03pmNo shock or suprise here, big brother is lying their head off. Impeach all involved, and try them for the crimes of lying, and abuse of our civil rights.
tower7femacamp
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:08pmThis is old news. Alex Jones covered this many months ago.
Report Post »http://www.infowars.com/naked-body-scanners-monumental-cover-up-exposed/
But I am really glad Glen is finally seeing the light.
sportlock
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:26pmI can solve this problem immediately. The reason our elected official feels this is okay is because they are not subjected to these searches as we are. THEY are ABOVE us common folk. Make all government officials go throught the same process as we do. Think a nude pic of Obama, Reid, Pelosi showing up on the web wouldn’t change this rule immediately?
Just like Obamacare, good for us, bad for them.
Report Post »Polwatcher
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:34pmWhen has the government ever told us the truth?
Report Post »what4
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 1:39pmPull the plug on these Machines, send them back for a full refund! That will hit the Congress critters hard, since they are most likely heavely invested in the makers!
Report Post »Rogue
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 2:04pmWhy is it that the ACLU jumps headfirst into every possible minor infringement of a minority’s rights, but have been eerily silent on this issue? They have had some minor involvement, but for the most part they are standing on the sidelines. I guess civil liberties only count when a few people are denied their rights. When everyone is affected, it’s just to be accepted.
Report Post »independentvoteril
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 2:32pmI am SOOOO glad I don’t fly..this was a TEST just a TEST to see if the AMERICAN people would do as they were told..and those that went through PASSED??? NOW they want to see if you will let them grope you and your children..Go ahead and explain to a child WHY it’s OK for the TSA agent to touch you and not the stranger down the street.. this is INSANE..
Report Post »Tucsonan
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 3:02pmObviously the images have to be at the very least saved because if someone were to be found to have a weapon of some sort, discovered during the scanning process, it would have to be saved as evidence. However, the assumption is that shortley after at some point the data would be dumped as useless if no issues were discovered. Who knows “when” that would be if ever. I guess on some level I don’t really mind the scanning as long as EVERYONE is treated in the same manner, ie. burkas should not be exempt in any way, form or fashion.
Report Post »CultureWarriors
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 3:35pmI’m shocked. A Democrat telling a lie. /sarc … Actually it would be more shocking to find a case of a Democrat telling the truth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1CKYjz9Fj0
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_CsEgIfUX0
crazytalk
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 7:19pmSoro’s and insiders have vested interest in the scanners. Go figure.
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/blogs/beltway-confidential/george-soros-michael-chertoff-profiting-off-controversial-new-tsa-scanners-108194724.html
Report Post »crazytalk
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 7:21pmGeorge Soros and insiders have vested interest in the scanners
Report Post »oldoldtimer
Posted on November 16, 2010 at 9:02pmI read on other sites these pictures may be from US Marshalls not TSA. So what is the truth?
Report Post »Luker410
Posted on November 17, 2010 at 9:46amOf course they lied about it. The travesty is that the media has settled for Big Sis statement that the backscatter macines are “safe”. Some say that cellphone use causes brain tumors. These machines radiation make a cellphone look like a stick. The media/govt isn’t publishing how much radiation. What if a machine is not calibrated properly? Will you know how much radiation you received? How about the workers running the machine. Nurses hide behind lead lined walls during xrays. These workers should be wary of the govt assurance that it is safe to stand by the machine all day long. Don’t even get me started on a govt creep feeling off children, women with their periods, nuns, pilots who have access to the airplane controls, flight attendants who own all the knives on planes, They are only groping to try to force people into willingly being radiated to ease the length of the lines. The new TSA mantra: “Step up and get your dose of radiation or we will terrorize your women and children.”
erikfx4
Posted on November 17, 2010 at 10:53pmOh, just take your dose of ionizing radiation and thank the government. It’s all just for us so we feel safe…….
Report Post »