Manchester Airport discontinues X-ray scans on minors

Monday, 19th October 2009

Security workers at Manchester Airport have been banned for subjecting children to a new X-ray device that is capable of seeing passengers’ nude bodies through their clothing.

Back in 1978, a legislation called the Protection of Children Act was passed in the UK parliament, which criminalizes the creation of nude photographs of minors. Using the X-ray machines to scan anyone below the age of 18 could potentially prosecute putany airport security staff at risk of violatingunder the legislation.

Manchester Airport officials were reportedly fully aware of the legislation prior to the installation of the new scanner., and had It was also initially planned to let minors only be scanned with their parents’ consent.

An airport spokesman confirmed that they were previously warned by child welfare groups and their lawyers of the legal issues that may arise from the new scanning method. The airport management is now making steps to inform all security staffs not to scan children passengers by the new equipment. Instead, they will be subject to normal security checks.

The new scanner at Manchester Airport was expected to expedite the processing of passengers by shortening the time it takes to complete individual security check. The X-ray device which is located in, a cubicle where passengers stand while being scanned for explosives and weapons, was installed at the airport last week. The 20-second scan not only reveals hidden deadly items, but also shows a person’s genitals and other body parts. The scanner is also extremely sensitive that it and is capable of detecting other things like breast implants and bone structure.

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