MEPs cautious on body scanners

Members of the European Parliament have expressed reservations about installing body scanners across all EU airports and want assurances on the equipment's effectiveness, efficiency, health and fundamental rights risks.

The US is putting pressure on the EU to oblige member states to install body-scanning technology to make flights safer against terrorism attacks but members of the European Parliament's Civil Liberties Committee have voiced doubts over such a measure.

After discussing the issue with EU counter-terrorism head Gilles de Kerkhove in Brussels, the committee has decided to wait for an analytical scientific report to be issued by the Commission before making up its mind.

According to Mr de Kerkhove, the averted terrorism act over Detroit on Christmas Day aboard a Northwest Airlines flight confirmed civil aviation remained a key target for terrorists.

Besides the importance of data sharing, the need is being felt to improve the ability to digest data coming from different sources as the Detroit attempt stemmed "mainly from a failure to connect the dots", according to Mr de Kerkhove.

"Much more can be done than deploying new devices in airports to make flying safer, including seeking an agreement with the US on sharing terrorist watch lists," he said.

Without closing the door on body scanners, representatives of the main political groups urged caution against a quick decision on the issue.

"We are open to body scanners but it must be previously proved that any technologies used do not pose a health risk for citizens and are truly effective in preventing terrorist attacks," EPP group coordinator, MEP Simon Busuttil, said.

"EU cooperation with the US on combating terrorism is crucial and new measures can be implemented but operational standards for body scanners must be designed to be compatible with fundamental rights requirements as incorporated in EU law. Anyway, passengers who prefer not to be scanned should be able to opt for the traditional pat-down instead.

"We are waiting for an impact assessment by the Commission. If these devices are really effective, there are no health risks for users and privacy is safeguarded, installing body scanners should be limited to the minimum necessary and accompanied by comprehensive information to all passengers," Dr Busuttil said.

His comments were echoed by other political groups.

Liberal spokesman Alexander Alvaro said: "I have the impression that technology has become the new religion in counter-terrorism. That's not the way."

Socialist MEP Antigoni Papadopoulou expressed concerns about the possible impact of body scanners on health, especially for people using pacemakers, and on "the violation of dignity".

Recently, EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot said the report requested by the EP on body scanners should be concluded soon.