Released Body Scan Images Raise Airport Security Privacy Concerns

Colleen Chen, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- New evidence may justify privacy concerns over full body security scanners. The TSA has emphasized the images of our body scans at airports cannot be stored or recorded but a courthouse in Orlando has proved otherwise.

More travelers are making the choice between body scans or an enhanced pat down over privacy concerns. Many are calling the scans a virtual strip search.

Images were released on Gizmodo, a technology website, that the site's writers say are the first 100 body scan images from an Orlando courthouse. The images were released after a public records request, raising concerns that the same thing could happen at airports. The TSA told CBS NEWS the record function is not functional at airports.

Other worries are about radiation, but doctors say it should not be a concern.

"The dose delivered with just the initial scan equates to two minutes of flying at 30,000 feet," said Dr. Robert Emery, a radiology expert.

Will Rogers World Airport does not have the body scan technology yet, which leaves the enhanced pat down. The pat down procedure is drawing just as much controversy as the body scans, including a sexual assault claim in Ohio.

"She touched my buttocks and all the way through the genital area," said Erin Chase, who is accusing TSA of sexual assault.

The enhanced pat down does include the bust and groin area and is called an equivalent alternative to the full body scan. While they haven't had many complaints, officials at Will Rogers are prepared.

"Airports do see more complaints when there are additional screening measures. Certainly this is an emotional issue whether you are for or against the additional measures," said Karen Carney, spokesperson for Will Rogers World Airport.

Next Wednesday is being called National Opt Out Day. There is a growing group of travelers saying they will opt out of body scans on one of the busiest travel days of the year, opting for more time consuming pat downs and that could severely slow down security checkpoints.

With the new procedures in place, the largest Muslim group in the country is protesting. The executive director of CAIR's Oklahoma Chapter said this time the TSA has gone too far.

"It shows basically your private parts - your whole body - and we're trying to find out if TSA…If someone opts out of that…The alternative to that is even less pleasant," said Muneer Awad, the executive director of CAIR's Oklahoma chapter. "The sentiments that CAIR has aren't exclusive to CAIR and the Muslim community. These sentiments are actually sentiments people across America are concerned with."

CAIR has even posted a travel advisory for Muslims on their website. It highlights options for Muslim women who wear head scarves saying "Instead of the pat-down, you can always request to pat down your own scarf including the head and neck area, and have the officers perform a chemical swipe of your hands."