The existing full-body scans have come under fire as being too revealing. (Canadian Air Transport Security Authority)

Good news for modest travellers today as airport full-body scanners will soon make the switch from outlining the full monty to sketching stick figures, according to Minister of State for Transport Steven Fletcher.

In an effort to calm the fears of travellers–many of which had made complaints about the body scanners, likening the experience to posing nude for the camera–the federal government will install new software for the scanners, which will now produce computer-generated images of stick figures rather than realistic three-dimensional outlines of passengers’ physical attributes.

…or lack thereof.

According to Fletcher, the Harper government is deploying Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) software on the existing scanners at major airports across the country. “This new software will ensure the continued safety and security of Canadians passengers, while respecting their privacy,” he said in a statement.

Is it just me or does anyone else think this statement suggests that until now they weren’t respecting our privacy? 

Transport Canada said the scans continue to be effective in identifying anomalies on a passenger, including metals and non-metals of all shapes and sizes, as well as liquids and explosives. The department also stressed that the scanners will not collect any personal information from the passenger, nor will the images or names of passengers be matched up in any way.

Really, would you be disturbed if someone attached your name to your stick figure sketch? Can’t say I would.

The Automatic Target Recognition software produces a computer-generated stick figure, but still detects where objects may be concealed under clothing. (Transport Canada)

“Our Government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all passengers travelling through Canadian airports,” said Fletcher. “The ATR technology is in line with international standards for security screening,” he said, also noting the Netherlands also use the technology.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration announced its body scanners are set to be removed from airports by the summertime because Rapiscan, the company that makes them, can’t(or won’t?) resolve privacy concerns. U.S. Congress had ordered that the scanners produce a less invasive image or be removed by June. Rapiscan acknowledged it would not be able to meet the deadline.

There are 52 full-body scanners at 18 airports across Canada. When will the new stick-man software be installed? Who can say…

What are your thoughts on the naked-no-more stick-figure body scanners?