The European Commission adopts new rules for an European Union legal framework on security scanners. The proposal establishes that Member States and airports do not have an obligation to deploy security scanners, but if they decide to use them, they will have to comply with the operational conditions and performance standards set at European level.

The European Commission has adopted a proposal for an European Union legal framework on security scanners. The new legislation legally allows Member States and airports to replace current security systems with security scanners, as a common EU-wide framework. It also ensures the uniform application of security rules at all airports and provides strict and mandatory safeguards to ensure compliance with fundamental rights and the protection of health.

According to the Commission, security scanners are an effective method of screening passengers as they are capable of detecting both metallic and non-metallic items carried on a person. The scanner technology is developing rapidly and has the potential to significantly reduce the need for manual searches ("pat-downs") applied to passengers, crews and airport staff. The Commission analysed the EU situation on this matter in a Communication published in June 2010.

The new legislation safeguards fundamental rights and the principles recognised in particular by the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, by laying down specific operational conditions and by providing passengers with the possibility of opting out. Furthermore, under the new EU legislation the use of security scanners is only allowed in accordance with minimum conditions such as for example that: security scanners shall not store, retain, copy, print or retrieve images; any unauthorised access and use of the image is prohibited and shall be prevented; the human reviewer analysing the image shall be in a separate location and the image shall not be linked to the screened person and others. Passengers must be informed about conditions under which the security scanner control takes place. In addition, passengers are given the right to opt out from a control with scanners and be subject to an alternative method of screening.