(By Andrew MacKie-Mason)
I had my first personal experience with TSA's pervy naked scanners today. This time I decided to go with the Fourth-Amendment-in-lead-paint-boxers, next time I'll probably refuse the scanner and file the sexual assault complaint if they pat me down.
But for this time, my main thought is that TSA's much-touted opt-out guarantee (where those who don't want to go through the naked-scanner don't have to) is a big joke. There was one sign a ways back in the line that mentioned, in the fine print, that the naked scanners are optional. But if you don't see that, and if you aren't informed about (or willing to stand up for) your rights, there's nothing optional about the procedure. TSA officers don't give you the option of using the naked scanner, they order you to enter it; and when I showed the briefest hesitance about going into it, the officer on duty herded me in.
TSA uses the low number of opt-outs as proof that the traveling public doesn't mind the naked scanners. But in reality, it seems that the opt-out isn't a real option after all.
UPDATE: Edited for slightly softer language.
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