Flying the friendly skies is about to get a little less frisky, as the Transportation Safety Administration announced that it's doing away with those revealing backscatter machines.
The TSA said that it has ended its contract with Rapiscan, the maker of the much maligned low-dose X-ray technology, which privacy advocates have deemed "virtual strip searches."
Making room for millimeter-wave technology
The TSA has already removed 76 backscatter X-ray machines from U.S. airports in 2012, leaving 174 Rapiscan machines, according to Bloomberg.
Instead of these "naked body scanners," the agency will continue to introduce millimeter-wave technology machines manufactured by L-3 Communications Holdings.
These new "whole body scanners" are much less intrusive and already in place in airports around the country.
Additionally, the millimeter-wave machines are faster than the backscatter machines and use radio frequencies for detection of contraband, not low-dose X-rays.
"By June 2013 travelers will only see machines which have ATR that allow for faster throughput," promised the TSA.
"This means faster lanes for the traveler and enhanced security. As always, use of this technology is optional."
Via Bloomberg
