Changi's T3 offers choice of 'body scanner' or physical searches

CHANGI Airport is testing a new screening machine which can better detect weapons, explosives, drugs and other contraband items concealed on the body.

The problem, at least for some travellers, is that the millimetre wave scanner also produces images that outline body contours too clearly for comfort.

On trial at gate-hold rooms A1-A8 at Terminal 3 from July to September, the equipment produces three-dimensional images in grey, white and black by using harmless radio waves that bounce off a passenger.

The new technique is an alternative for those who do not wish to be physically searched, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and police said in response to queries from The Straits Times. Body scanning is not compulsory, the authorities stressed.

'We understand that some passengers may feel uncomfortable having their images analysed by a stranger,' said the two agencies yesterday.

The technology is already being used at several airports in the United States and Canada - also subject to passenger approval.

Those who opt for the procedure walk into the cabin of the scanner and remain still for up to five seconds.

The scanned image is analysed by an officer in a separate room in another part of the airport. If something is amiss, the security officer at the gate-hold room is alerted.

While the scanning is not compulsory, some groups overseas have likened it to a virtual strip search.

In Singapore, care has been taken to ensure that privacy is not compromised. The passenger's face and sensitive body parts such as breasts and genitals are blurred. Images cannot be downloaded or saved, and are automatically deleted.

They are viewed by women officers only. When on duty, they cannot carry cameras and other photographic equipment.

Balancing security needs with individual privacy is a challenge, said aviation security expert John Harrison of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

With advances in technology, 'the conflict is between what we can do and what we should do', he said.

With aviation security high on the agenda of many countries, Mr Harrison believes 'body image machines' will become more popular.

The onus is on the authorities to reassure passengers concerned about privacy invasion. Singapore has taken 'reasonable steps' to do so, he added.

Businessman S.S. Sandhu, 43, a frequent traveller to the US who has been regularly body-searched, would much prefer to walk through a body-scanning machine. 'The machine can look at me in all my fine glory but at least it is less intrusive and humiliating than a pat-down or a frisk.'