Body scanners

The European Parliament today adopted a report on the use of body scanners in airports (Grandes report). The Greens welcomed the outcome, after Green proposals calling for stricter conditions on the use of body scanners were adopted, notably the exclusion of x-ray technology. After the vote, Green transport spokesperson Eva Lichtenberger MEP said:

"The EP has today made clear that citizens' interests must come first in considerations on the use of controversial body scanning technology. The EP wants to ensure member states will not be obliged to introduce body scanners. Where they decide to use this technology, the EP has made clear this should only be done under restricted conditions: only for use in airports, and under the condition that appropriate rules are in place to safeguard the health and fundamental rights of passengers. There are serious concerns about the potential impacts of the widespread use of body scanners - in airports and beyond - both in terms of privacy and public health and these cannot be ignored."

Green civil liberties spokesperson Judith Sargentini MEP said:  

"Crucially, the EP adopted Green proposals calling for the use of x-ray technology in body scanners to be excluded. There are very real health concerns associated with this technology and there is simply no valid reason to justify its deployment. It is also essential that passengers have the right to refuse a body scan without prejudice.

"This clear message from the EP must be heeded by policy-makers and the Commission must also include the European Parliament in any proposals on the use of scanners."