This is one of those things that at first actually seem like a great idea.  I like a great idea.  I would like to be safe when I fly, but it is not going to stay at airports and its purpose and use are really up to the operator.  Who just happens to be “The State”.

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Part of story from: http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1060972/The-airport-security-scanner-read-mind.html

The device, dubbed MALINTENT by inventors, uses sophisticated sensors to read body temperature, heart rate and respiration.

Analyzed together, these factors can lead security services to potential threats.

Any suspects are pulled aside for questioning and then subjected to a second scan, which involve micro-facial scanning.

This equipment is able to read minute muscle movements which give further indications of  intent.

So far it can recognize seven primary emotions and emotional clues and will eventually have equipment which can analyze body movement, an eye scanner and a pheromone-reader.

But there have already been concerns that the equipment is overly invasive and breaches people's privacy.

MALINTENT was developed by the Human Factors division, in Homeland Security 's directorate for Science and Technology.

Project leader Bob Burns said: 'If you focus on looking at the person, you don't have to worry about detecting the device itself.

It is anticipated MALINTENT could eventually be used in sports stadiums and shopping malls as well as airports.

 

 

They assure us that this biometric data will not be kept, but trust me this kind of data is gold.  The more you collect the better you will be able to fine tune the technology to determine all types of emotional states.

 

They just did a test of this technology in DC.  No it wasn’t in an airport, but in a convention building where around 150 people showed up to what they thought was a technology symposium.  Of course the results of this test are classified but the project director called it a home run.

 

It does not take too much imagination to see where technology like this could go.  I guess I have lost more than a little trust in the government acting in my best interest or telling me the truth anymore.

 

I know where most people who read this will stand.  I once asked in a blog if you would find it acceptable for the local governments to start doing random searches of homes without probable cause or a search warrant.  Over 60% on here said they would not have a problem with it.