Britain: New Surveillance Camera “Sees” Under Clothes
March 10th, 2008Via: Reuters:
A British company has developed a camera that can detect weapons, drugs or explosives hidden under people’s clothes from up to 25 meters away in what could be a breakthrough for the security industry.
The T5000 camera, created by a company called ThruVision, uses what it calls “passive imaging technology” to identify objects by the natural electromagnetic rays — known as Terahertz or T-rays — that they emit.
The high-powered camera can detect hidden objects from up to 80 feet away and is effective even when people are moving. It does not reveal physical body details and the screening is harmless, the company says.
The technology, which has military and civilian applications and could be used in crowded airports, shopping malls or sporting events, will be unveiled at a scientific development exhibition sponsored by Britain’s Home Office on March 12-13.
“Acts of terrorism have shaken the world in recent years and security precautions have been tightened globally,” said Clive Beattie, the chief executive of ThruVision.
“The ability to see both metallic and non-metallic items on people out to 25 meters is certainly a key capability that will enhance any comprehensive security system.”
While the technology may enhance detection, it may also increase concerns that Britain is becoming a surveillance society, with hundreds of thousands of closed-circuit television cameras already monitoring people countrywide every day.
ThruVision came up with the technology for the T5000 in collaboration with the European Space Agency and from studying research by astronomers into dying stars.
The technology works on the basis that all people and objects emit low levels of electromagnetic radiation. Terahertz rays lie somewhere between infrared and microwaves on the electromagnetic spectrum and travel through clouds and walls.
“The ability to see both metallic and non-metallic items on people out to 25 meters is certainly a key capability that will enhance any comprehensive security system.”
Suppose some guy waiting to board a flight is “detected” having a non-metallic but missile-like object in his trousers (or just something resembling a 2-shot derringer), am I, er, this hypothetical airline passenger, going to be immediately thrown to the ground and subjected to an impromptu strip search?
Is the British government trying to destroy their airline industry? Because a few more outrages like this might do it.
In order to control the sheeple, you need a way to control the exchange of money. They’ve already got a lock on digital cash and put metal strips in paper cash. Any person who wants to opt out of the system and go with gold/silver for direct exchange for goods (food, anyone?) will also be tagged. Especially once They outlaw precious metals as a means of exchange for reasons of “national security” or because it’s the “preferred currency” of those damned terrists.