The next time you pack for a trip to the United States, leave your modesty and right to privacy at home. Travelling south of the border, and most likely in all directions soon, is about to get quite up close and personal and there's not much we can do about it.
Recently, the federal Conservative government announced full body scanners will be arriving at Canada's major airports - including Toronto's Pearson International - in response to pressure from U.S. officials who are scrambling to tighten security after a foiled attempt by a Nigerian man to detonate explosive materials on a plane Christmas Day.As early as March, selected passengers at these airports will be given the choice of having a 3D body scan or a physical and thorough 'pat-down' by an airport security guard. Passengers will be selected for this special screening if they're acting suspicious or nervous. In Canada, those under 18 will be exempt. These measures, though intrusive to some, shouldn't be shocking in a society that's elevated the value of safety and security above all else. To the privacy advocates up in arms about what they're calling 'virtual strip searches': you're right. This is an infringement on a person's right to privacy. In the name of safety, security and peace of mind, however, we've been giving up our privacy for years. It's a necessary sacrifice we have to make so long as there are people out there who want to do harm. And if history has taught us any lessons, those people will always exist. The public will demand protection and our leaders will react by further fortifying our society and taking away another little bit of our freedom to do so. That's the course our society has charted for itself and with all the momentum behind it, changing direction isn't going to happen any time soon.To those doubting the effectiveness of the body scanners: technology will improve and over time gaps will be filled. Leaving children and teenagers out of the equation, for example, is one decision our government will need to rethink when it realizes what an obvious target it makes youth. As well, airport baggage handlers, mechanics and other on-site employees who are currently still operating outside of the recent security upgrades will need to be brought into the fold. It's all in or nothing. Airports and full body scanners are just the beginning. Knowing we're safe when we're travelling doesn't come cheap. Giving up some of our rights and freedoms is, unfortunately, the price we're going to have to pay.