If the harassment at the airport with a series of checks was not enough the European Commission Regulation has asked all European Union airports to use virtual digital scanners by 2010. This scanner is a virtual strip search machines, which creates a 3D image of a naked body. Such a scanner has been opposed as it is next to a strip search. 

This scanner was used at the Heathrow airport Terminal Four only for voluntary use, but has now been removed. However, it is now being used at the Paddington train Station in London. The scanner may be an important instrument to safeguard safety and upgrade the security system, but it also invades the privacy of an individual. 

Liberty Policy director Gareth Crossman said it was right that Heathrow discontinued its use, although he acknowledged the virtual strip equipment is an alternative to suspected passengers having to take off their clothes. 

The scanner uses electromagnetic waves beamed on the body, to create a virtual three-dimensional naked image from reflected energy. The image it generates includes an outline of genitals. Crossman said "I don't think people are aware of what these scanners can do and how demeaning it is to have your body on display".