Body scanners get MEP approval

Two years after controversial body scanners were first mooted, the European parliament has given the green light for their use at EU airports.

The decision, which is expected to be adopted by the European Commission today, comes with several conditions.

The scanners will not be allowed to show naked images of the human body. Instead, approved scanners will produce images of “stick figures” which will be destroyed immediately.

MEPs also called for strict safeguards, following health fears relating to the use of x-ray scanners that use ionising radiation.

Those devices, which have been trialled in some countries including the UK, will be banned.

MEPs also voted for passengers to be given the right to refuse body scanning and undergo alternative screening methods.

Copyright © 2012 euronews