This latest revelation only supports the fact that our Homeland Security apparatus is totally out of control.
Simply put, Homeland Security is nothing more than a massive jobs program with a special attraction for control freaks.
The Electronic Privacy Information Center went before the House Homeland Security Committee urging the members to suspend the Transportation Security Agency deployment of 150 new body scanners at airports across the United States.
Marc Rotenberg testified, based on documents that EPIC has obtained the following concerns need to be addressed:
- The device specifications for body scanners include the ability to store: record, and transfer images, contrary to the representations made by the TSA
- The device specifications include hard disk storage, UB integration; Ethernet connectivity that raise significant privacy and security concerns
- The device specifications include “super user” (Level Z”) status that allows TSA employees to disable filters and to export raw images; and
- DHS Privacy office failed to adequately assess the privacy impact of these devices.
The TSA website states the opposite occurs:
- Strict privacy safeguards are built into the foundation of TSA’s use of advanced imaging technology to protect passenger privacy and ensure anonymity.
- The officer who assists the passenger never sees the image the technology produces.
- The officer who views the image is remotely located, in a secure resolution room and never sees the passenger.
- To further protect passenger privacy, millimeter wave technology blurs all facial features and backscatter has an algorithm applied to the entire image.
- The two officers communicate via wireless headset. Once the remotely located officer determines threat items are not present, that officer communicates wirelessly to the officer assisting the passenger. The passenger may then continue through the security process.
- Advanced imaging technology cannot store, print, transmit or save the image.
- Officers evaluating images are not permitted to take cameras, cell phones or photo-enabled devices into the resolution room.
- Each image is automatically deleted from the system after it is cleared by the remotely located security officer.
During a White House Video roundtable “Open for Questions” Homeland Security Janet Napolitano confirmed this policy.
Marc Rotenberg was asked by Chairwomen Jackson Lee what recommendations it would make to strike a balance between technology screening processes and privacy concerns. Rotenberg replied that a layered approach of baggage, human observation and mix of technology is the best approach. “Those that are the most intrusive (technology) are the most concerning” Chairwoman Lee responded “not sure we will completely agree with that approach”.
Witnesses testifying before the Committee :
| Mr. Robin Kane Assistant Administrator Security Technology Transportation Security Administration Mr. Bradley Buswell Dr. Susan Hallowell Mr. Stephen Lord |
Mr. Kenneth J. Dunlap
Director of Security International Air Transport Association Mr. Charles Barclay President American Association of Airport Executives Col. Eric R. Potts (Ret.) Interim Aviation Director Houston Airport System Mr. Marc Rotenberg Executive Director Electronic Privacy Information Center Mr. Brook Miller Vice President, Government Affairs Smiths Detection Mr. Mitchel J. Laskey President and CEO Brijot Imaging Systems, Inc. |
Additional resources:
Human x-ray machines: Coming soon to an airport near you
EPIC wants TSA to halt implementation of body scanners at airports
White House Video Blog - Airport Security Q&A with Janet Napolitano
EPIC wants TSA to halt implementation of body scanners at airports
Human x-ray machines: Coming soon to an airport near you
Amsterdam’s Schiphol starts body-scanning at airport
FBI Director on cyber threats: We can’t do it alone
US Strategic Command recognizes cyber security challenges
Intelligence community warns Senate committee of increased terror threats
