Postmodern Critic
Morgan Bell
Jeff MusallAirport Security vs Privacy: new devices may humiliate transgendered
May 25th 2008 09:42
New Airport Security Devices May Put Transpeople at Risk
Several new detection devices were deployed in Orlando International Airport in 2002. Testing of these prototype machines is to determine whether similar machines should be deployed nationwide. These machines may potentially expose cross-dressing or cross-living individuals to public challenge, humiliation, detainment, not to mention flight delays! Transpeople should be aware of these machines, and may want to oppose their deployment on the grounds that they pose a violation of privacy. Information on how to register opposition is given below.
Three new devices have been developed for scanning people:
1) The Rapiscan Secure 1000 body scanner uses low-level x-rays that penetrate clothing and a special camera to create a computer image of metal objects in their exact locations on a passenger's body.
2) The Beringer Ion Scan 400B, a walk through device that uses blasts of air and a vacuum to loosen, apprehend, and analyze particles around a person's body, seeking traces of 40 types of explosive and other hazardous material residue. It can also be programmed to test for 60 different types of drugs.
3) The Entry Scan 3 made by Ion Track Instruments, a trace portal explosives detector, that functions like the Beringer Ion Scan device above.
In particular, the Rapiscan Secure 1000 shows airport security personnel a realtime image of your naked body. If you are, for example, an FTM who is binding, they will see your breasts; if you are packing, they will see your prosthesis. Security personnel are viewing scans of same sex passengers, that is if you are presenting as male, and you are asked or volunteer to go through one of these scanners, a male security person will be viewing your scanned image. It is unlikely that these people will be trained in handling transgendered or transsexual passengers with sensitivity or respect.
Once these new machines are placed in service nationwide, the current zonal metal detection devices are likely to remain in service for initial screening. The new enhanced systems will likely be used as alternatives to the wand and pat-down searches when a scan reveals a person to have any anomalous object in his or her possession. A "profile of suspicious character" may be computer-generated at any point in the ticket purchase or passenger registration process and coded on the boarding pass so that security personnel are on alert when the passenger enters the security scan area.
According to CBS News, only passengers who volunteer will go through the Orlando checkpoint while the systems are being tested.
CBS News stated:
Airlines affected at present are Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Swissair, and British Airways flying in and out of Orlando International Airport.
There are alternative technologies available that will provide the same level of security without compromising personal privacy, for example infra-red systems that use thermal imaging of the body which is medically safer for people with pacemakers or other implanted bionic or biometric medical devices. If the proposed technology is used, it is also possible to alter the holographic image of the body to resemble a stick figure or a mannequin, thus leaving the personal characteristics of an individual hidden while still revealing weapons. This should be an enforced minimum standard to prevent unnecessary invasion of privacy.
Readers in the USA are advised to write or call their congressional representatives via the capital switchboard 202-224-3121 (just tell the receptionist what city you live in and your call will be routed appropriately) or use http:// thomas.loc.gov to identify your representative and link to their email.
Tell your representative that you are 100% behind the country's need to ensure airline safety, and you are also 100% behind protecting constitutional rights to privacy. Urge him or her to advocate for the implementation of security systems that are less invasive and do not subject people to unnecessary invasion of privacy, potential embarassment and public humiliation, and unforeseen medical risks to those wearing or having implanted devices, the operation of which may be compromised by subjection to the scanning waves.
Meanwhile, to avoid potential conflicts with airport security, cross-dressers should travel in the gender presentation that matches their legal identification.Pre-op transsexual people who are cross-living should carry a letter from a therapist or physician that explicitly states they are required to present in the target designated gender as a precursor to or as part of the process of medical treatment that will actualize the true gender. The letter should state that the true gender is that of the gender presentation, irrespective of anatomic
condition, and that this document is a medical affidavit.
If transgendered or transsexual people are detained or harassed in airport security procedures, please contact the Transgender Law & Policy Institute (TLPI) to report the incident so that we can track these occurrances. TLPI may be reached at info@ transgenderlaw.org.
original article by Jamison Green
on behalf of the Transgender Law and Policy Institute,
and Gender Education & Advocacy, Inc.
Several new detection devices were deployed in Orlando International Airport in 2002. Testing of these prototype machines is to determine whether similar machines should be deployed nationwide. These machines may potentially expose cross-dressing or cross-living individuals to public challenge, humiliation, detainment, not to mention flight delays! Transpeople should be aware of these machines, and may want to oppose their deployment on the grounds that they pose a violation of privacy. Information on how to register opposition is given below.
Three new devices have been developed for scanning people:
1) The Rapiscan Secure 1000 body scanner uses low-level x-rays that penetrate clothing and a special camera to create a computer image of metal objects in their exact locations on a passenger's body.
2) The Beringer Ion Scan 400B, a walk through device that uses blasts of air and a vacuum to loosen, apprehend, and analyze particles around a person's body, seeking traces of 40 types of explosive and other hazardous material residue. It can also be programmed to test for 60 different types of drugs.
3) The Entry Scan 3 made by Ion Track Instruments, a trace portal explosives detector, that functions like the Beringer Ion Scan device above.
In particular, the Rapiscan Secure 1000 shows airport security personnel a realtime image of your naked body. If you are, for example, an FTM who is binding, they will see your breasts; if you are packing, they will see your prosthesis. Security personnel are viewing scans of same sex passengers, that is if you are presenting as male, and you are asked or volunteer to go through one of these scanners, a male security person will be viewing your scanned image. It is unlikely that these people will be trained in handling transgendered or transsexual passengers with sensitivity or respect.
Once these new machines are placed in service nationwide, the current zonal metal detection devices are likely to remain in service for initial screening. The new enhanced systems will likely be used as alternatives to the wand and pat-down searches when a scan reveals a person to have any anomalous object in his or her possession. A "profile of suspicious character" may be computer-generated at any point in the ticket purchase or passenger registration process and coded on the boarding pass so that security personnel are on alert when the passenger enters the security scan area.
According to CBS News, only passengers who volunteer will go through the Orlando checkpoint while the systems are being tested.
CBS News stated:
"One system, the Rapiscan Secure 1000, uses low-energy X-rays to search a person through clothing. When Rapiscan project manager Bryan Allman scanned himself, a plastic knife hidden in his shirt pocket was detected.
However, the outline of his body - every inch of it - also was clearly visible. Mindful of the machine's revealing nature, airport officials refused to put a woman in the scanner.
Security officials said the scanner would only be used when a passenger shows an "anomaly." Also, the security worker examining the scan would be the same sex as the person being searched.
The potential for complaints about the invasiveness of the search didn't seem to bother Allman.
"Everybody has to learn that the world has changed since Sept. 11, and the world needs a much more thorough type of screening," Allman said.
But the American Civil Liberties Union says the scan is too intrusive.
"This, of course, is a virtual strip-search," ACLU associate director Barry Steinhardt said. "There's no question this has tremendous potential for embarrassment."
Steinhardt pointed out there have been incidents across the nation where male security workers harassed female passengers during hands-on searches.
"We fear this is going to be indiscriminately used," Steinhardt said. "We know that even less-invasive searches are being abused at airports."
However, the outline of his body - every inch of it - also was clearly visible. Mindful of the machine's revealing nature, airport officials refused to put a woman in the scanner.
Security officials said the scanner would only be used when a passenger shows an "anomaly." Also, the security worker examining the scan would be the same sex as the person being searched.
The potential for complaints about the invasiveness of the search didn't seem to bother Allman.
"Everybody has to learn that the world has changed since Sept. 11, and the world needs a much more thorough type of screening," Allman said.
But the American Civil Liberties Union says the scan is too intrusive.
"This, of course, is a virtual strip-search," ACLU associate director Barry Steinhardt said. "There's no question this has tremendous potential for embarrassment."
Steinhardt pointed out there have been incidents across the nation where male security workers harassed female passengers during hands-on searches.
"We fear this is going to be indiscriminately used," Steinhardt said. "We know that even less-invasive searches are being abused at airports."
Airlines affected at present are Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Swissair, and British Airways flying in and out of Orlando International Airport.
There are alternative technologies available that will provide the same level of security without compromising personal privacy, for example infra-red systems that use thermal imaging of the body which is medically safer for people with pacemakers or other implanted bionic or biometric medical devices. If the proposed technology is used, it is also possible to alter the holographic image of the body to resemble a stick figure or a mannequin, thus leaving the personal characteristics of an individual hidden while still revealing weapons. This should be an enforced minimum standard to prevent unnecessary invasion of privacy.
Readers in the USA are advised to write or call their congressional representatives via the capital switchboard 202-224-3121 (just tell the receptionist what city you live in and your call will be routed appropriately) or use http:// thomas.loc.gov to identify your representative and link to their email.
Tell your representative that you are 100% behind the country's need to ensure airline safety, and you are also 100% behind protecting constitutional rights to privacy. Urge him or her to advocate for the implementation of security systems that are less invasive and do not subject people to unnecessary invasion of privacy, potential embarassment and public humiliation, and unforeseen medical risks to those wearing or having implanted devices, the operation of which may be compromised by subjection to the scanning waves.
Meanwhile, to avoid potential conflicts with airport security, cross-dressers should travel in the gender presentation that matches their legal identification.Pre-op transsexual people who are cross-living should carry a letter from a therapist or physician that explicitly states they are required to present in the target designated gender as a precursor to or as part of the process of medical treatment that will actualize the true gender. The letter should state that the true gender is that of the gender presentation, irrespective of anatomic
condition, and that this document is a medical affidavit.
If transgendered or transsexual people are detained or harassed in airport security procedures, please contact the Transgender Law & Policy Institute (TLPI) to report the incident so that we can track these occurrances. TLPI may be reached at info@ transgenderlaw.org.
original article by Jamison Green
on behalf of the Transgender Law and Policy Institute,
and Gender Education & Advocacy, Inc.
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Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
If there is a way to reduce the image of the body to that of a mannequin or stick figure, I believe every effort should be made to implement this feature into the technology.
Otherwise I believe it will be invasive to transgendered persons, as well as others, particularly women (as airport security staff tends to be predominantly male, and I can just imagine some unscrupulous male wanting a quick perv on some poor, unsuspecting female).
I'm afraid I don't know what you mean by 'packing'? Is it just owning a prosthesis?
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I understand the very real security issue, but I still don't want my bits on display.
Michaelie
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Current Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
thanks for inviting me to be a contributor!
i was forwarded this as a bulletin on myspace by a lesbian in the USA and i try to share it whenever i can . . . i think it definately has implications for all kinds of people (esp women) as it is as much of a violation as a strip search
"packing" is when genetic females puts something (sometimes a prosthesis) in the front of their pants to imitate a penis when they are transgendered and dressing as a male
"binding" is strapping down the breasts to appear flat-chested for the purposes of representing as a male
hi Michaelie,
oh i know how you feel and i agree, id rather not travel then go through a machine like that!
i had a pat down at sydney airport once by a female security guard because they were too lazy to get the mini metal detector out to scan for a weapon (its would have been the bangles on my wrist setting it off), it was summer and i was wearing a tight thin-strapped singlet and im sure she was convinced i had something dont my bra haha . . . i dont know what she thought she was gunna feel that she couldnt see?
Comment by Jeff Musall
Secular Humanity
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Current Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
i couldnt find anything on the net to confirm whether (since 2002) the trials were adopted or whether they were unsuccessful in america . . . i hope there will be (or were) enough protest that devices like these dont become a regular part of travel . . . i havent seen them in australia so far
Comment by Jeff Musall
Secular Humanity
Really Long Link
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Current Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
thats terrible news . . . but thanks for the info, you probably have a better idea of whats going on in your own country than i ever would . . . im actually really disappointed, i was hoping it was a bit of overkill after 9/11 that wouldnt really catch on
Comment by Cibbuano
20/20 Filmsight
Science News
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Comment by AmyHuang
Sydney Table
Project Job Search
Travel Debate
Travel String
Love Adventures
Comment by Troy McNaughton
Secret Sydney
God's Advocate
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Current Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
no not much to the imagination at all, i guess its quicker than physically stripping someone if you dont mind a tad of radiation
hi amy,
yeah i wonder what the screening process and training for employees will be
hi troy,
thats an excllent point, people have strapped bombs to their kids before, and if artists are being charged for exposing the nude bodies of children (CLICKHERE for more . . . ) why should airports be any different?
hi ruby,
makes you wanna sigh doesnt it?
Comment by Sara Dobson
Love Mate
Parents Precinct
The Travel Map
My Turn
They asked me if I would partiocipate in the trial and I thought ok, and although they did tell me that it xrayed through your clothes I didn't relaise how detailed it was was. They showed me my picture and I was thoroughly embarrassed!
Comment by RubySoho
Music Zone
Thought Zone
oh boy does it ever!
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Current Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
thanks for sharing that real life story!
i think any normal person would be embarassed, if we didnt want to keep our bodies private we would all be walking around naked wouldnt we?
hi ruby,
in some distorted attempt to protect "freedom" they take away the very rights which make us free
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
I think some sort of ethics test or training should be involved, considering the power you are giving these people.
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Current Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
i just find the whole idea wrong and unnecessary, why should anybody be granted this power over others at all?
the search for non-metallic weapons? give me a break, how paranoid do people want to get?
the search for drugs?
why dont we start searching every singles shipping container that comes into the country before we start strip-searching people who are trying to use a civilian transport system?
Comment by Anna Neon
Rock n Flicks
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Current Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
thanks for stopping by and having a read . . . i agree, it is disturbing!
Comment by Roni Askey-Doran
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Current Business News
Movie Train
Artist Quirk
im finding all travel increasingly unpleasant
(CLICKHERE for more . . . )
i guess a boat could be nice if you were on holidays and not on a hurry . . . probably not the most efficient mode of transport for people commuting for business meetings or personal appointments or family events
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Also, I'm in the UK right now, and it's not THAT bad... I'm quite enjoying it! Why would you think it stinks?