ACLU Statement on Airport Body Scanning Machines
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: (202) 675-2312 or media@dcaclu.org
The following can be attributed to Barry Steinhardt, Director of the ACLU’s Technology and Liberty Project:
“The TSA’s announcement, as reported today by USA Today, that it will be expanding the use of whole body scanning machines to 10 airports, is a disappointing confirmation of our warnings against expansion of this virtual strip search. Body scanners produce graphic images of travelers’ bodies and are an assault on their essential dignity. The safeguards announced by the TSA do not convince us that the technology is acceptable, and we question the supposed voluntary nature of these scanners. Ultimately, we question whether the security value of these scanners is proportional to the cost to flyers’ dignity and privacy, and whether they are the right priority for TSA.”
A backgrounder on body scanners and other materials is available online at: www.aclu.org/bodyscanners
Stay Informed
Every month, you'll receive regular roundups of the most important civil rights and civil liberties developments. Remember: a well-informed citizenry is the best defense against tyranny.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy policy.
The Latest in National Security
-
ACLU Acknowledges Improvements to DOJ Racial Profiling Policy, But Says Far More is Needed
-
ACLU Applauds Court For Allowing Case Challenging FBI’s Wrongful Prosecution of Chinese American Physics Professor To Move Forward
-
Shen v. Simpson
-
Chinese Immigrants Sue Florida Over Unconstitutional and Discriminatory Law Banning Them From Buying Land
ACLU's Vision
The American Civil Liberties Union is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America.
Learn More About National Security
The ACLU’s National Security Project is dedicated to ensuring that U.S. national security policies and practices are consistent with the Constitution, civil liberties, and human rights.