Watch CBS News

TSA May Force Some Passengers To Undergo Airport Body Scans

WASHINGTON (CBS) -- A change in TSA screening policy may mean that some air travelers won't be able to opt out of full-body scans at airports.

CBS News reports that the Department of Homeland Security has quietly updated procedures for Advanced Imaging Technology at airport security checkpoints.

"While passengers may generally decline AIT screening in favor of physical screening, TSA may direct mandatory AIT screening for some passengers," a document from Dec. 18 states.

Officials cite "the need to respond to potential security threats" as one reason behind the change.

The body scanners have been criticized in the past for being "virtual strip searches," but new technology shows screeners a more generic figure instead of a person's individual body type.

tsa image
The image shown by body scanners (Image credit TSA)

CBS News notes that a full-body scan can pick up non-metallic explosives, which is terrorists could use to try and bring down a plane.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.