Don’t let anyone tell you that something can’t be done because of privacy laws. For example, how many times have you heard someone say, “privacy laws handcuff the ability of law enforcement to protect Canadians” or “businesses can’t compete because of heavy-handed privacy laws”? Yes, in very limited circumstances privacy laws can restrict certain activities. But, these cases are few and far between. In many more circumstances, privacy considerations simply need to be built into the design of a product or service.
Case in point is the recent coverage that Assistant Privacy Commissioner of Canada, Chantal Bernier, has approved the use of airport scanners that can see through your clothes. Who would have thought that the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada would ever approve what have been refered to as “naked” airport scanners? But if you look at the manner in which the scanners will apparently be rolled out, there appears to be a balance between security and privacy considerations. As I’ve previously posted, “Privacy by Design” can help those with a “can-do” attitude.
Regardless of whether I agree that the “naked” airport scanners are lawful (and regardless of whether I’ll choose to walk through one of these scanners myself), it’s great to see an attempt at “Privacy by Design” in action. To be honest, however, my greatest concern is for the poor airport security professionals who may one day have to look at my less than stellar outline. I’m not sure how much they get paid, but it’s probably not enough!
