Can Robots Better Spot Terrorists at Airports?

[CaseyJones]

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304244904579276851803909952

Next to have their jobs automated: airport-security screeners?

Aviation and government authorities are starting to use machines in lieu of people to verify the identities of fliers by scanning their faces, irises or fingerprints. Dozens of airports in Europe, Australia and the U.S. already employ such technology so passengers can pass immigration checks without showing identification to, or talking with, a person. Now, several major airports in Europe have started using these automated ID checks at security checkpoints and boarding gates.

The use of biometrics—computers verifying identities through physical characteristics—and other automated techniques in airport security is raising questions about the strengths of man versus machine in detecting potential terrorists. Industry officials argue the advantages outweigh the risks, and are promoting automation to help make air travel more efficient and less frustrating—and to save money.

 

[tod evans]

The airport terrorists I'd worry about all wear uniforms and leach money from the federal coffers...

 

[Czolgosz]

The airport terrorists I'd worry about all wear uniforms and leach money from the federal coffers...

Damn, you beat me to it.



edit: You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to tod evans again.

 

[Occam's Banana]

Can Robots Better Spot Terrorists at Airports?

... "better" than what? My left ass-cheek? TSA troglodytes? My right ass-cheek? ...

 

[aGameOfThrones]

Gropebots.

 

[enhanced_deficit]

In either case it is probably 1% effective security and 99% collective punishment. How hard it will be for determined enemies to find bunch of young men who may have lost their parent/sibling/relative due to US invasion of Iraq/Afghanistan/drone attacks but will have no prior ties to known bad actors. At the rate we have been creating new enemies abroad, we'll have to have a fully closed police state to feel safe and even that will be not fool proof. Best defense here is to stop offense and maintain a moderate police state for next 30-40 years till all orhpans of wars in Iraq/Afghanistran/Palestine reach 40+ age when supposedly they are less likely to seek revenge.

 

[jdcole]

I'm for using new tech if it means my balls don't get groped or I get to keep my damn shoes on. I'm against being in any more government databases than I already am (and the notion of arbitrary lines of demarcation, but hey, statists gonna state, I guess).

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.