Airports were forced to make serious changes to x-ray machines after it was revealed what they could actually see
Airports were forced to make some serious changes to their x-ray machines after it was revealed what they could actually see.
Airports around the US have been changing the scanners at their security section after people found out just what showed up on the screen.
And you might be shocked to find out what they could see.
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While airport security are looking out for anything dangerous whether that’s drugs or illegal weapons, it might not be comforting to know that they can probably see more than you bargained for.
Before the change took place back in 2013, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) would use full body scanners to check people as they passed through security at the airport.
These body scanners were made by OSI Systems' Rapiscan division and they were first introduced after there was a failed terrorist attempt in 2009.
The attempted attack involved parts of a bomb being hidden inside someone’s underwear and the new scanners would mean that security agents could see a full-body infrared image to prevent this situation from happening again.
However, while it might sound like a pretty normal and understandable process, in reality, it meant that the security agents could effectively see you completely nude.
Needless to say, that isn’t the most relaxing start to a vacation that most people would be looking for.
The scanners sparked controversy and prompted TSA to ask Rapiscan to develop a new software problem that would correct the problems.
However, Rapiscan informed TSA that it would not be able to meet the June 2013 deadline that it had set.
As a result, TSA announced that it would no longer use the scanners.
The agency announced: “TSA has strict requirements that all vendors must meet for security effectiveness and efficiency.
“Due to its inability to deploy non-imaging Automated Target Recognition (ATR) software by the Congressionally-mandated June 2013 deadline, TSA has terminated part of its contract with Rapiscan.
“By June 2013 travelers will only see machines which have ATR that allow for faster throughput.
“This means faster lanes for the traveler and enhanced security. As always, use of this technology is optional.”
There were 174 Rapsican body scanners still in use when the announcement went out, but they were eventually phased out over the following months and were replaced by new scanners created by the company L-3 Communications.
Luckily, these scanners only show generic images of the customers passing through.