An X-ray scanner that can see through clothing will be introduced at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York and five other major airports around the United States by June of next year.

The BodySearch device, using low doses of X-rays, is supposed to reveal items such as weapons and packages of illegal drugs.

U.S. Customs says the machine does not show physical details, just the body's outline.

But some are raising concerns about privacy. Gregory T. Nojeim, legislative counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union, says the scanner can show private parts with clarity and that portions of the display could be enlarged by the viewer.

Travellers would have the option of undergoing a physical pat-down instead of being scanned.