New airport scanners in testing

According to Reuters, the TSA finally is testing new scanners designed to address passenger privacy concerns.

The Transportation Security Administration is deploying new software for scanners in three U.S. airports that will show screeners an alert on a generic male or female figure only if an anomaly is detected and highlight the spot of concern.

The pilot program will run in Las Vegas, Atlanta and Washington, DC.

Replacing all the current scanners will take time. The new software only works with scanners from one manufacturer. Software for the rest is still being developed.

If you were to ask me whether this changeover is a good use of scarce federal dollars, I would have to say no. The number of people who actually object to the current scanners is quite small (it pains me to say that, but it's true) and the TSA could be spending its time and money more wisely. I've no doubt, though, that Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle would raise Cain if the TSA were to recommend cutting this program.