Expert Calls Body Scanners “Useless”

Fantastic. The Vancouver Sun reported last week that "a leading Israeli airport security expert says the Canadian government has wasted millions of dollars to install "useless" imaging machines at airports across the country." The Canadian government has spent about $11 million to purchase 44 body scanners for use in the country's major airports.

The expert, Rafi Sela said it would be better if Canada adopted some Israeli security techniques. That includes a trusted traveler program that would mean shorter waiting lines for fliers who have already gone through extensive background checks. He also suggested that behavioral profiling also be used.

"I don't know why everybody is running to buy these expensive and useless machines. I can overcome the body scanners with enough explosives to bring down a Boeing 747," Sela said. Let's just hope no one does that in reality! But there is cause for concern here - are the body scanners really worth the price tag? And the potential privacy issues? Are they effective, or have security agencies just been pressured to do something after the Underwear Bomber?

Hat tip to my friend Martin for finding this article.