Research project (body scanning technology) Paper

Project (body scanning technology) - Research Paper Example These body imaging scanners can be found in several areas of the security industry, including in commercial loss prevention and in government buildings that require an extra level of security. However, one of the most popularly discussed usages of the technology is in airports, and in 2010 it was announced that these would be put into use at 28 airports in the United States, including New Yorks JFK and Fort Lauderdale International. The use of these has been defended by the US Homeland Security Secretary, who says that these will severely reduce incidences of smuggling, terrorism and on-flight crime. The following essay will discuss the technology in detail, including full details on the benefits that these machines can bring to the security industry. Following this, the privacy concerns which have been raised will be covered, as will the health issues that have been linked to the machines. Particular focus will be on the privacy concerns that have been dominating the media with rega rds to this technology, as it is a particularly pressing issue for those who feel we may be lapsing into a Big Brother state, as well as those who feel uncomfortable with the use and possible storage of these images. Body scanning technology is based on the principle of the millimeter wave. Most materials used for clothing are transparent when viewed under this frequency of radio band, and images taken by these scanners will therefore show any concealed objects that may not be evident to the naked eye. The scanners come in two forms, known as active and passive. The passive form is one that uses the natural energy emitted from objects, and is generally considered to be as safe as a digital camera for the person being photographed. The active scanners rely on directing these millimeter radio waves at the object and then reading the energy which has been directed back (Laskey, 2010). This