Read the Government’s responseIn response to the attempted terrorist attack on Northwest flight 253 to Detroit on Christmas Day 2009 the Government implemented a package of measures to enhance the protection of the travelling public. The introduction of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), more commonly known as bodyscanners, is one of several additional screening methods that were introduced in response to the attempted terrorist attack.
The Government is clear that all security measures must be proportionate, justifiable and respect human rights. To this end we have introduced extensive safeguards to ensure that passengers’ privacy is respected if they are selected to be screened by an AIT machine.
These safeguards include:
* All images are viewed remotely from the machine, and are deleted immediately after analysis;
* Images can’t be recovered at a later date from the machines;
* The image produced does not show any distinguishing features such as hair or skin tone and it is not possible to recognise people from their facial features;
* Only security vetted and trained security staff employed by the airport will be able to view the images; and
* Security staff viewing images will be separate from, and not be able to identify, the persons whose image they are viewing.
The Government has introduced an Interim Code of Practice covering privacy, health and safety, data protection and equality issues. The Code will require airports to undertake scanning sensitively, having regard to the rights of passengers. It is available on the Department for Transport’s website at:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/security/avia ... fpractice/A full public consultation on the requirements relating to the use of scanners as set out in the interim code of practice will begin as soon as is practicable. The Department for Transport will consider all representations carefully before preparing a final code of practice.
I hope you have a fantastic reunion 
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