[LINK] new X-ray technology for Australian airports

[Kim Holburn]

Just when you think that you don't have any more privacy to lose the government comes up with a new and dangerous way.

I'd love to see a risk assessment on this.  Let's just x-ray everyone without a medical case.  Our society would be much safer, except for the increase in cancer, but we're working on that.


http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/no-place-left-to-hide-drugs-with-x-ray-technology/story-e6frfq80-1226011075259

> No place left to hide drugs with new X-ray technology for airports
> 
> 	• By Matt Johnston
> 
> 
> NEW X-ray technology that can reveal drug smugglers' internal cavities will be trialled at airports under a plan to fast-track security searches.
> 
>  Legislation before Federal Parliament would enable customs officers to use new body scanners instead of sending suspects to hospital for internal X-rays ordered by a doctor, reported the Herald Sun.
> 
> Federal police wasted more than 4600 hours in hospital waiting rooms last year because of drug smugglers waiting for scans.
> 
> More than 200 people were taken to hospital for internal searches, with almost 50 found to have drugs in their bodies.
> 
> Drug couriers captured by Australian authorities at airports last year were carrying a total of 27kg of drugs.
> 
> Home Affairs Minister Brendan O'Connor said the scanners would also help innocent travellers.
> 
> "The option of an internal body scan will more quickly exonerate the innocent and ensure a minimum of delay for legitimate travellers," Mr O'Connor said.
> 
> He said the new X-rays would be used only if suspects agreed to undergo scans.
> 
> Mr O'Connor said people carrying drugs inside their bodies could die if bags split or leak, so it was important to check as soon as possible.
> 
> Specially trained customs officers would be authorised to screen the alleged smugglers.
> 
> Under current laws, an internal X-ray scan can only be done by a doctor at a hospital or surgery centre.
> 
> The proposed trial would start later this year, at a date to be set if legislation passes both Houses of parliament.
> 
> Mr O'Connor said he understood privacy concerns in relation to internal X-ray use, and the technology would only be used with strict controls, including destruction controls.
> 
> There would also be exemptions for pregnant women, people with mental impairments and those under 18.


-- 
Kim Holburn
IT Network & Security Consultant
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