The Department of Homeland
Security on Friday said it is continuing to deploy advanced imaging technology as
the primary screening device at major U.S. airports, hitting the 200th
installation of the screening systems and announcing the next eight airports
that will deploy the systems.
Using funds allocated from
the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, DHS said the next batch of
installations would bring the advanced imaging systems to airports in Cleveland
and Dayton, Ohio; Memphis; New Orleans; Ontario, Calif.; Portland, Ore., and
St. Louis. DHS expects to deploy a total of 450 units by year-end, noting it
would soon announce more airports that will host the machines. The screening
machines already have been deployed to more than 50 airports.
With the ability to image
objects concealed under clothing, the screening systems have come under fire
from some as an invasion of privacy, though DHS said it works to "ensure
privacy protections—including a separate, remotely located room for viewing
images."