Airports were forced to change full-body scanners after privacy concerns over revealing images.
The machines had been introduced across airports in the United States nearly 20 years ago. They were intended to detect potential threats hidden beneath passengers’ clothing.
The scanners were part of wider changes to airport security after attempted attacks. They allowed security staff to inspect whether passengers were carrying hidden items. However, the technology later became controversial because of what it showed.
Older scanner images could reveal detailed outlines of passengers’ bodies. The images were described as ghost-like and highly revealing. Security staff were able to view more than many travellers had expected.
The concerns later resurfaced after a viral image circulated online. The image appeared to show what older airport body scanners could display. Many people said they were shocked by the level of detail.
The scanners are no longer used in the same way. Newer airport screening systems use software designed to protect passenger privacy. The change means security staff no longer see detailed body images.
Scanners followed attempted underwear bombing
The technology had been developed in 2007. The Transportation Security Administration later made body scanners mandatory across the United States in March 2010. That decision followed an attempted bombing on Christmas Day in 2009.
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab tried to smuggle explosives hidden in his underwear onto a flight. The flight was travelling from Amsterdam to Detroit when the attempt took place. The incident prompted authorities to strengthen airport security around the world.
Passengers later became used to stricter screening at airports. These measures included limits on liquids and removing electronic devices from bags. In some places, passengers were also asked to remove their shoes.
Full-body scanners were added as another security measure. They were designed to detect possible threats concealed under clothing. However, the images they produced quickly raised privacy concerns.
In 2013, officials said newer scanners used automatic threat recognition software. That software meant no passenger image was produced for security staff to view. The change was intended to address remaining health and privacy worries.
Viral image sparked renewed reaction
A social media user known as @greendaylover44 later shared an apparent old scanner image on X. The post suggested that TSA staff had once been able to see intimate body details. The image quickly gained attention because many viewers had not expected that.
“TSA can see your c*** and balls whenever you walk through the X-ray scanner,” the user wrote.
The post drew strong reactions from people online. Some users said they had misunderstood what airport scanners actually showed. Others joked about their own experiences going through security.
“I honestly thought X-ray meant you can only see the bones,” one person replied.
Another joked: “Is this why I always get put aside?”
“Definitely tucking my junk next time through, just to see if I get a reaction,” another laughed.
“Imagine the TRAUMA the American TSA staff have to endure,” another user joked.
Older machines were removed from airports
In the United States, privacy concerns contributed to changes in scanner use. Rapiscan scanners were eventually removed after software requirements were not met. Each machine reportedly cost around $180,000.
The TSA said Rapiscan could not deploy non-imaging Automated Target Recognition software by a deadline. That deadline had been set by Congress for June 2013. The TSA then ended part of its contract with the company.
Newer systems now use generic outlines instead of detailed passenger images. The software highlights areas that may need extra screening. This allows staff to check for possible threats without viewing revealing images.
Years after the original post, @greendaylover44 responded to the attention again. The user said the post was still being discussed four years later. He also joked about the repeated messages he had received.
“I’m huge though so I’m not worried,” he wrote.
“This post will be four years old in a week. This is me and my girlfriend now, please stop asking to see my c***.”
Featured image credit: @greendaylover44/X
