Invasive TSA Searches

In early 2010, Logan International Airport in Boston rolled out controversial "Advanced Imaging Technology" scanners--more commonly known as "naked scanners" or "full-body scanners." At a cost of $170,000 each, these devices invade privacy by taking electronic photographs of travelers' naked bodies.

Use of the scanners opens the door to saving and misusing the images, not just having a momentary look at the body. TSA initially claimed that images would not be stored, but security officials have been caught saving thousands of images.

Deployment of the scanners has also raised questions about possible health risks, since they rely on millimeter wave and backscatter X-ray technology. Additionally, the Government Accounting Office (GAO) says the effectiveness of the devices is unclear.

Passengers can opt out of going through these scanners, but as of August 2010, passengers who opt out must now undergo invasive manual searches of their bodies by TSA officers. Passengers who have gone through what TSA is calling "enhanced pat downs" report that TSA agents have not merely lightly patted their bodies--they touch the face and hair, the groin area and buttocks, and in between and underneath breasts.

Know Your Options

The ACLU supports security policies that are effective and do not unreasonably intrude on Americans' civil liberties. Until security measures that meet this standard are in effect, we have prepared a guide:

Know Your Options at the Airport (PDF)