Kiwis deny plan to install backscatter X-ray scanner

Worries about the privacy aspects of backs-catter X-ray machines follow the technology all the way to New Zealand. That country’s Aviation Security Service (AVSEC) has denied a report that it was planning to buy and trial body scanning machines. AVSEC CEO Mark Everitt said it was not in any way involved in buying or trialing equipment which would “visually strip search” air travelers. He was responding to a newspaper report that the government agency was in the process of purchasing a $250,000 body-scanning machine. The machines, which have just been installed at Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, use radio waves to create a picture of someone’s body, stripped of clothes but still showing any metal objects, bombs, drugs, or contraband they may have concealed.

Everitt said AVSEC was bound by legislation to keep itself informed on developments in airport security around the world. “We are well aware of a wide range of specific security technologies available worldwide, including the body scanning technologies being used at Schiphol airport in Holland, which has triggered the latest media flurry,” he said.

AVSEC’s policy on any technologies which might interfere with passengers’ privacy was to consult with the government, which represented the public, Everitt said. “I wish to emphasise that AVSEC is not proposing to purchase such equipment and that there is always a lengthy and clear process around deciding when and where to use new equipment.”