TSA Removing Naked Image Scanners From Airports, Not That They Wanted To

If a trip through TSA’s Rapiscan naked image scanners has left you feeling a bit violated, we have good news. The controversial machines are being removed, but not because of air traveler complaints or the cries of privacy advocates. Apparently, the company that makes the machines just could not figure out how to make them less invasive.

“It became clear to TSA they would be unable to meet our timeline. As a result of that, we terminated the contract for the convenience of the government,” said the TSA’s Karen Shelton in a Bloomberg report.

Shelton is talking about manufacturer OSI Systems, Inc. that prides itself in “Creating Solutions

for a Safer and Healthier World,” as stated on the company website. Actually manufactured by Rapiscan Systems, a subsidiary of OSI, the machines will now go to governmental agencies instead of airports. It is believed that the machines would not stand up to congressionally-mandated changes by a June 2013 deadline.

“We are pleased to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement with the TSA,” OSI Systems President and CEO, Deepak Chopra* said in a press release this week.

* No, not that Deepak Chopra.

Here is a video about another Rapiscan system – one that detects explosives. We hope it works better.

[Photo credit- Flickr user bmanolea]