In its current incarnation, the device is the size of a large trunk and can be easily transported. It detects the terhertz waves that all things – both living and inanimate – emit, meaning no one has to worry about being irradiated with unwelcome X-rays. It is able detect both metallic and non-metallic weapons, as well as drugs, explosives, weapons, and liquids (so think again about smuggling that half-drank bottle of water onto the plane). And despite it’s abilities to check out your unmentionables, the company asserts that patients bodies are blurred to resemble an infrared image (think those multi-coloured maps on the Weather Network) that only points out illicit material, not explicit material (ahem). This should come as good news for those who fear airport security using it as a way to pass time and entertain themselves.

One thing the device has come under fire for is its ability to see through people from up to approximately 80 feet (25 metres) away. This means that those in airports, shopping malls and other buildings where the device may be used could be unknowingly watched by security guards. While I’m all for measurements that reduce the possibility of a terrorist attack, the issues of privacy infringement run deep with this device. CCTV cameras are one thing, and while those used to be a highly-contested issue, the public has generally become passively accepting of their use in recent years. For example, Piccadilly Circus is filled with surveillance cameras, but despite this, many in the area have expressed that the ThruVision technology is going too far. Others comment that the technology won’t actually increase safety, but is more of an invasive (and expensive) way that authorities proffer up artificial peace of mind.

The ThruVision camera has already been placed in East London’s financial district, Canary Wharf, as well as several undisclosed military sites. The U.S. military has expressed a strong interest in heavily implementing the technology, as have security companies responsible for monitoring heavy-traffic areas like stadiums, theme parks and other tourist attractions. With airport security officials striving to decrease wait times at checkpoints, technology has become an attractive lure. In many cases, it’s the vendors that heavily influence the airports to purchase the security system, much in the same way that pharmaceutical companies “don’t bribe” doctors to recommend their products. One thing is for certain; as technology advances and safety decreases, Big Brother will be watching ever more intently, even if we don’t know he is. -D.C., NewsExtensions.com.