Privacy watchdog OK's see-through scanners
Last Updated: Friday, October 30, 2009 | 10:30 PM ET
The Canadian Press
Canada's privacy commissioner has okayed an airport scanner that sees through clothing. (Associated Press)An airport scanner that shows a person's partially naked outline on screen, including genitalia, has received the blessing of Canada's privacy czar.
Chantal Bernier, the assistant privacy commissioner, said Friday the national air-security agency has successfully answered her office's questions about the project.
The system, recently tested in British Columbia at the Kelowna airport, allows a screening officer to see whether someone is carrying plastic explosives or other dangerous items.
The proposal has stirred controversy because the scanner produces a three-dimensional outline of a person's naked body.
Under the plan approved by the privacy chief, the officer would view the image in a separate room and never see the actual traveller.
Only people singled out for extra screening would be scanned, and they would have the option of getting a physical pat-down instead.
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