Sweaty Armpits Send up Security Flags Over Body Scanners

There's been quite the controversy over full-body scanners at American airports, and now Australians are getting a taste of the drama. At Sydney Airport Monday it seems the devices' alarms were being set off by sweaty armpits.

According to news.com.au, the second person to use the new machine, which is part of a $6 million trial, set off the machine thrice. Airport security blamed it on the passenger's perspiration.

Australian Transport Minister Anthony Albanese called the new scanners the "most advanced passenger screening technology available in the world."

But, they have their detractors. German police, for instance, rejected the scanners as being too sensitive as multiple clothing layers, zippers and a passenger's posture can all confuse the machine.

Stateside, the scanners have come under fire more because of privacy and health issues – critics say the radiation they emit can be harmful. But, addressing the privacy issue, the Transportation Security Administration plans to roll out new software that prevents those notorious "naked" images.

What did the Aussies have to say about that issue?

"There were, I believe, some legitimate concerns about privacy that had been raised," Albanese told news.com.au. "We know unfortunately that we live in an unsafe world, and in those circumstances this government will ensure that people's security is looked after."

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