The Canadian Privacy Law Blog: Developments in privacy law and writings of a Canadian privacy lawyer, containing information related to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (aka PIPEDA) and other Canadian and international laws.

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The author of this blog, David T.S. Fraser, is a Canadian privacy lawyer who practices with the firm of McInnes Cooper. He is the author of the Physicians' Privacy Manual. He has a national and international practice advising corporations and individuals on matters related to Canadian privacy laws.

For full contact information and a brief bio, please see David's profile.

Please note that I am only able to provide legal advice to clients. I am not able to provide free legal advice. Any unsolicited information sent to David Fraser cannot be considered to be solicitor-client privileged.

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The views expressed herein are solely the author's and should not be attributed to his employer or clients. Any postings on legal issues are provided as a public service, and do not constitute solicitation or provision of legal advice. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained herein or linked to. Nothing herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel.

This web site is presented for informational purposes only. These materials do not constitute legal advice and do not create a solicitor-client relationship between you and David T.S. Fraser. If you are seeking specific advice related to Canadian privacy law or PIPEDA, contact the author, David T.S. Fraser.

Monday, January 29, 2007

X-ray cameras 'see through clothes'

I just checked my calendar to see if I accidentally slept in and woke up on April 1. According to Yahoo News, the British government is considering taking all encompassing surveillance to the next level by installing cameras in public places that can see through clothes. According to a memo obtained by the Sun, the measure will make the detection of weapons and explosives easier.

X-ray cameras 'see through clothes' - Yahoo! News UK:
However, officials acknowledged that it would be highly controversial as the cameras can "see" through clothing.
"The social acceptability of routine intrusive detection measures and the operational response required in the event of an alarm are likely to be limiting factors," the memo warned.
"Privacy is an issue because the machines see through clothing."
The Sun reported that the memo, dated January 17, was drawn up by the Home Office for the Prime Minister's working group on security crime and justice.
It noted that some technologies used for airport security had already been used in police operations searching for drugs and weapons in nightclubs.
"These and other could be developed for a much more widespread use in public places," it said.
"Street furniture could routinely house detection systems that would indicate the likely presence of a gun for example."
A Home Office spokeswoman said: "We don't comment on leaked documents".

Labels: air travel, airlines, europe, law enforcement, national security, privacy, surveillance, video surveillance