UK Airport Body Scanners Might Be Illegal

Heathrow and Manchester airports’ new full body scanners – intended to prevent would-be terrorists from smuggling explosive devices and other weapons on board airliners – might be illegal, Britain’s equality commission has suggested. Writing to the British government, the Equality and Human Rights Commission said this new aspect of UK airport security could both contravene discrimination laws and infringe on privacy rights.

The government, in response, stressed the need for rapid measures to be introduced in light of the attempted Christmas day bombing, but added that it was looking into the impact of these measures in equality terms, too.

Body Scanning Machines: Concerns

Trials of the new complete body scanning machines got underway at Manchester Airport in October 2009. The immediate public reaction was concern over issues like being seen naked by other people. It should be remembered that these machines produce a full body depiction, but this is seen by a security officer behind closed doors. And – according to recent comments made by a Manchester Airport spokesperson, the images are not archived.

“The image generated by the body scanner[s] cannot be stored or captured, nor can security officers viewing the images recognise people”, Sarah Barrett said on February 1st – the day that Manchester and Heathrow began to deploy the scanners in full. She added: “...contrary to reports, the equipment does not allow security staff to see passengers naked.”

New Airport Scanners: Privacy

Reactions to this new airport scanners update concerning possible infringement of privacy laws – as expressed on several other news sites – have so far tended to be opposed to the commission’s stance. In general, people seem to be prepared to go through these scanners for the sake of being able to travel safely.

“While we acknowledge that there is a legitimate aim for this invasion of privacy... we remain seriously concerned whether the intrusion is in accordance with the law”, Trevor Phillips – Equality and Human Rights Commission, said in the letter. “National security policies are intended to protect our lives and our freedoms, but it would be the ultimate defeat if that protection destroyed our other liberties”, he added.

The letter also said that anti-discrimination laws, as applied in Britain, could be at risk of being broken.

A representative for the Department of Transport emphasised that it had produced a guide for airport security workers concerning the circumstances in which the scanners should be used. “Given the current security threat level, we believe it was essential to start introducing scanners immediately”, he said, adding: “We are currently carrying out a full equalities impact assessment on the code of practice, which will be published shortly when we begin a public consultation on these issues.”

See also:

Debut for London Heathrow Airport Body Scanners

Naked Airport Security Scanner