In response to public backlash about privacy concerns, the Transportation Security Administration began testing new software on its advanced imaging technology machines at McCarran International (LAS) on Tuesday; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) and Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) will follow in the coming days.
The software is designed to enhance privacy by eliminating passenger-specific images; instead, it will auto-detect items that could be a potential threat and indicate their location on a generic outline of a person. That image will appear on a monitor attached to the AIT unit; such identified areas will require additional screening. If no potential threat items are detected, the monitor won’t show an outline and an “OK” will appear on the screen.
“We are always looking for new technology and procedures that will both enhance security while strengthening privacy protections,” says TSA Administrator John Pistole. “Testing this new software will help us confirm test results that indicate it can provide the same high level of security as current advanced imaging technology units while further enhancing the privacy protections already in place.”
The new software means there is no longer a need for a separate TSA officer to view the image in a remotely located viewing room. The TSA says this will make the screening more efficient and allow it to expand the throughput capacity of the technology.
The software was developed between the TSA and the Department of Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate and private industry; they began testing it at the TSA Systems Integration Facility in fall 2010.
