Veiligheid in de luchtvaart: Workshop over lichaamsscanners (en)

Yesterday, 6 November 2008, a workshop on body scanners took place. This workshop was a first step in addressing the impact of aviation security measures and body scanners on human rights, privacy, personal dignity, health and data protection in close cooperation with the European Parliament, the European Data Protection Supervisor, manufacturers and national authorities.

The aim of the workshop organised by the Commission was to exchange information and examine issues relating to body scanners, including the results of trials at London Heathrow Airport, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Helsinki Vantaa Airport. Representatives of the European Parliament, the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) and the Article 29 Working Party attended the workshop.

Manufacturers involved in these trials made presentations on how a body scanner works. Two technologies have been trialled for screening people.

Following the presentation by the manufacturers, the airport operators involved in the trials focused on the operational issues.

Finally, the Member States' representatives involved in these trials focused on the regulatory issues. In order to address issues relating to fundamental rights, privacy, personal dignity, health and data protection, these trials were allowed under strict conditions.

The Commission will continue this process and will consult the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS), the Article 29 Working Party and the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA). Additional possibilities that will allow all parties concerned to exchange information on body scanners, while addressing legitimate concerns, are under discussion, and will be presented shortly.