Airports are testing new security techniques like body scanners and profiling. But their use worries some EU Member States. You won't see them in all of Europe's airports unless the EU gives the green light.

A-Z: S for Security in Airports

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/15077431/j002-0034a-en.srt

In December 2009 an attack   on an Amsterdam-Detroit flight failed.

So some European countries are testing   new technology in airports

like these body scanners.   The aim is to strengthen security.

But these scanners won't be used   throughout the EU.

The 27 Member States are divided   on the subject. I'll show you.

They can detect objects   hidden under clothing,

even non-metallic guns   or explosive powders.

They make it practically impossible   to take dangerous objects onto planes.

Some scanners use x-rays,   like the luggage inspection systems.

These rays pass through the body,   and repeated exposure is a health risk.

So this new technology   raises many questions.

Is the privacy of passengers respected?   Just about.

EU Member States are divided on these   questions. Experts try to reassure them.

We counted,   with the norms we have in Belgium,

when you pass through such a body   scanner a thousand times a year,

That's one-tenth of the dose   that's allowed per person per year.

Another way of fighting terrorism   is profiling.

Passengers going to the USA fill in   questionnaires in embassies and planes.

But profiling could be used more   in queues.

and at any sign of nervousness   security officers will ask them questions.

They'll get information to see if the person   has the profile of a terrorist or not.

Do you really think this technique works?   What will they do with my info?

is profiling based on intelligence   and based upon a random nature

rather than profiling which offends   minorities and so on.

If profiling is seen as that,   it's not acceptable.

How far can we go   to ensure passenger security?

Scanners and profiling   are very expensive.

Who should pay? Governments,   airports or the passengers?

The 27 are arguing   with the European institutions.

Security can only be strengthened   if they agree.