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Full body scanners have gone operational at Melbourne Airport as part of a federal government airport security initiative.
The scanners are being used in conjunction with walk-through metal detectors at Melbourne’s international departures terminal, with passengers randomly selected to go through one or the other.
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The government says the scanners are the most advanced screening technology available and can detect both metallic and non-metallic items. In an attempt to allay privacy concerns, the scanners only display a generic ‘stick figure’ outline of a passenger while highlighting items hidden under clothing.
The scanners emit 10,000 times less radio frequency energy than the average mobile phone call, according to a statement from Melbourne Airport.
Body scanners are being introduced at eight Australian international airports as part of a $200 million program. A trial of the machines was held at Melbourne and Sydney Airports in 2011.
The scanners are also used at airports in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Thailand and the Netherlands.
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