People Shocked To Learn What Airport Security Used To See Through Old X-Ray Scanners
In the early 2010s, airport body scanners were controversially labeled “virtual strip searches.” This followed their rapid deployment after the 2009 Christmas bombing attempt, aiming to close security gaps.
The TSA installed backscatter X-ray machines made by Rapiscan. These scanners produced detailed outlines of passengers’ bodies, viewed remotely by officers. While images weren’t stored, the revealing detail sparked significant public outcry.
Privacy advocates and travelers argued the technology was excessively invasive. The term “virtual strip search” reflected a deep concern over how much personal privacy should be sacrificed for perceived security.
Each scanner cost approximately $180,000, with over 170 units operational nationwide. However, growing controversy led to updated privacy rules requiring Automated Target Recognition (ATR) software.
This software would display only a generic body outline. Rapiscan’s scanners could not meet this new standard, leading to their removal in 2013.
They were replaced by current millimeter-wave scanners. These use abstract imaging to flag anomalies without exposing physical anatomy, better separating threat detection from personal exposure.
The episode underscores how technology can outpace ethical consensus. It serves as a lasting lesson on the need for public oversight and the importance of balancing security with the preservation of personal privacy.
