I really like the TSA's new blog. Yes, it leaves a lot to be desired, but they are the first agency I can think of to engage in a direct dialog with citizens, and doing so knowing that most people are going to be angry with you is pretty bold. I invite the IRS to try :)

These images from a "millimeter wave" scanner were on the blog. I'm not really sure what to think of these. It's not quite as cool as Total Recall. TSA says that passengers given a choice of a typical pat-down or the MW choose the backscatter by 85%. I wonder, however, if passengers see these images first? Is there really "informed consent" here?

I guess what bugs me more than the whole nudity thing is the "put your hands in the air or I'll shoot" pose you are required to assume. I don't see how that is really necessary. I understand this is not "x-ray" and that they do need to scan under your arm, but the whole thing reminds me to The Fifth Element. Put your hands on the circles, or we'll shoot.

Your thoughts?

TSA Millimeter Wave Sample Images