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TSA body scanning now mandatory for most passengers
Wednesday, 24 Dec, 2015
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New rules issued by the Transportation Security Administration will make it mandatory for some passengers to go through the body scanners, rather than opting for a physical screening pat down.
A new Department of Homeland Security policy document says TSA agents can now enforce ‘mandatory body scanner screening for some passengers if warranted by security considerations.’
The new rule will still allow travelers to opt out if they wish but a request could be denied.
The report does not outline what specific criteria will be used to deny this request.
Scanners ‘quickly, and without physical contact, screen passengers for prohibited items including weapons, explosives, and other metallic and non-metallic threat objects hidden under layers of clothing,’ the document said.
Body scanners in the past were criticized as ‘virtual strip searches,’ showing a naked body image, but new technology ‘replaces the individual’s image with that of a generic figure," the DHS said.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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