27
July
2010

The use of body scanners: 10 questions and answers

"Body scanners" is a generic term used for a technology that is capable of detecting objects carried under clothes.

"Body scanners" is a generic term used for a technology that is capable of detecting objects carried under clothes. This new security technology is currently discussed to replace walk-through metal detectors in the field of civil aviation. It is in this context that the Agency publishes 10 short FRA-answers to ten questions that were tabled by the European Commission in the course of a public consultation on the issue of body scanners at the turn of 2008-2009. On 15 pages the paper identifies fundamental rights potentially affected by the use of body scanners and reflects on the requirements and specific consideration that should be taken into consideration when discussing the introduction of such technical devices at European airports.