Australia to test internal body scanners
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Australian parliament this week approved the use of x-ray body scanners in airports in a bid to prevent drug trafficking. The amendment to the Customs Act 1901 clears the way for a year-long trial at airports across Australia.
Home Affairs Minister Brendan O’Connor has assured the public that travellers would not be scanned at random. Only those suspected of carrying drugs internally would be scanned after giving their consent to do so.
“Body scanning technology will not be used on all travellers or used randomly – it will only be used where there is a reasonable suspicion that a person is carrying drugs internally.”
Traffickers who refuse a scan will have to suffer an old-fashioned physical examination. For those falsely suspected of trafficking, this move will come as a relief. However, it is too late for more than 150 people who were subjected to a medical examination in 2009. According to a the department of Home Affairs; “In 2009-10, 205 people were taken to hospital for examination under suspicion of having drugs concealed internally. Upon medical examination, less than a quarter were found to be carrying drugs.”
The government expects the option of an internal body scan will more quickly clear legitimate travellers and ensure a minimum of delay at airports. The use of internal body scanning technology at airports is also expected to present significant time and money savings to Customs, the Australian Federal Police and our hospitals.
O’Connor has also assured the public that privacy and dignity will be respected, with images being treated accordingly. “As Minister for Privacy, I’m acutely aware of community concerns about the use of such technology. I’d like to assure the public that this technology will be subject to strict controls.
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