[afiedler]

The TSA doesn't use backscatter x-ray machines any more. They were all removed because the company that makes them (Rapiscan) couldn't figure out a way to mask the naked images.

Now they just use millimeter wave machines, which have the body outlines only. I really don't find this objectionable from a privacy standpoint. It it basically a better metal detector in that it detects non-metal objects, too, and shows the scanner exactly where they are on the body.

[slouch]

Fun story: Last time I flew, the scanner detected the surgical plate in my right shoulder. The TSA agent saw the diagram and put his hand on my left shoulder before letting me walk.

[mattdotc]

In October, I also triggered the machine for having a suspicious back.

The cause? I was in Hawaii, wearing a backpack. If you didn't know, their airports are mostly open-air. Of course, Hawaii is pretty warm and it was humid, so I was sweaty on my shoulders where the straps were.

Win for security (theater).

[Sakiina_]

I once went to the SLC airport with slightly damp braided hair. I went through the scanner. A TSA agent pulled me aside for a patdown. She did it quickly, sighed with relief, and said, "Oh, it's just your hair. It showed up on the scanner as a weapon."

[exhilaration]

Now they just use millimeter wave machines, which have the body outlines only.

Do you have a source for this? And have all US airports upgraded to this "body outlines only" technology?

[epoxyhockey]

That was the official reason. Though, backscatter x-ray machines were decommissioned in the US shortly after the EU banned their use due to public health reasons.

[SCAQTony]

So they are using microwaves. Do you know what GHz they are using and wha benchmark is a safe level?

"...A millimeter wave scanner is a whole-body imaging device used for detecting objects concealed underneath a person’s clothing using a form of electromagnetic radiation. ..."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millimeter_wave_scanner