Body scanning is becoming more and more widespread, and federal agencies have always said that any images that were scanned would be deleted as soon as they were viewed.
It turns out that some law enforcement agencies are actually storing the scanned images rather than deleting them, as the US Marshals service have admitted that they have stored around 35,000 images.
The Electronic Privacy Information Center, which is a Washington DC based advocacy group, has filed a lawsuit asking for an injunction to pull the plug on body scanning programs, after they found out about the 35,000 images that were stored by the US Marshals at a federal court in Orlando.
Privacy Concerns and Public Reaction
The revelation that body scan images are being stored has sparked significant privacy concerns among the public. Many individuals feel that their personal privacy is being invaded, especially since they were assured that the images would be deleted immediately after viewing. The idea that these images could potentially be misused or leaked has only heightened these concerns.
Moreover, the storage of these images raises questions about the transparency and accountability of federal agencies. If the US Marshals are storing images, it begs the question of whether other agencies might be doing the same. This lack of transparency can erode public trust in these institutions, making it harder for them to carry out their duties effectively.
Technological and Security Implications
From a technological standpoint, the storage of body scan images also brings up several security implications. These images, if not properly secured, could be vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access. In an age where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, the potential for these images to be accessed by malicious actors is a real concern.
Furthermore, the storage of such a large number of images requires significant data management and security protocols. Ensuring that these images are stored securely and that access is strictly controlled is essential to prevent any potential misuse. This adds another layer of complexity and cost to the body scanning programs, which may not have been fully considered when these programs were initially implemented.
The use of body scanners has been justified on the grounds of enhancing security, particularly in high-risk areas such as airports and federal buildings. However, the storage of these images could potentially undermine the very security they are meant to enhance. If the public loses trust in these systems, they may be less willing to comply with security procedures, thereby making it harder to maintain safety and security.
The debate over body scanning and the storage of images is likely to continue as more information comes to light. Advocacy groups like the Electronic Privacy Information Center will undoubtedly continue to push for greater transparency and accountability, while federal agencies will need to find a balance between security and privacy.
In conclusion, while body scanning technology has the potential to enhance security, the storage of scanned images raises significant privacy and security concerns. It is essential for federal agencies to address these concerns transparently and ensure that the public’s trust is maintained. Only then can the full benefits of body scanning technology be realized without compromising individual privacy and security.
via The Register
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