Talk:Backscatter X-ray

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[edit] Question

What are the health implications of Backscatter X-Ray Machines? Thadk 17:30, 6 December 2006 (UTC)

Like most aspects of this technology there has been little if any discussion of the issue. There may be peer-reviewed studies on the subject and an article I read about the use of this technology in New Jersey's PATH system which seemed typical said something like "there are no health or privacy concerns". The legal ramifications of this technology is potentially enormous as well since the 'plain view' clause of US's search and seizure laws would extend through walls, cars, clothing, etc. if these devices ever became widespread. The US and UK governments have been remarkably successful in keeping this technology under wraps and out of the press, deploying it in airports (most recently a Phoenix AZ airport) with little public notice. And apparently there has been a recent wave of scary Orwellian technologies [1] Antonrojo 04:06, 7 December 2006 (UTC)

As of March 2007, the short answer is that there are no health implications. This item from the external links give a general idea. I undid this highly irresponsible edit to the contrary. Melchoir 23:42, 3 March 2007 (UTC)

I agree that was an irresponsible edit. I think that, equally, it is important to mention when there is little science backing TSA claims about things like 'privacy algorithms', though these are reported as fact by some major news outlets that should know better. Antonrojo 03:27, 22 April 2007 (UTC)