Quick Facts: EU Security Scanner Rules
- Voluntary Use: Airports and EU Member States are not required to use security scanners.
- Health Safety: Only non‑X‑ray scanners are allowed.
- Privacy Protections:
- No storage, copying, or printing of images.
- Images are reviewed remotely and cannot be linked to passengers.
- Passenger Rights:
- Right to opt out and request an alternative search.
- Must be fully informed about the scanning process.
- EU Consistency: Rules ensure uniform operational and technical standards across all airports.
For full details, see the European Commission press release
In November 2011, the European Commission adopted new rules establishing an EU‑wide legal framework governing the use of security scanners at airports across the European Union. These rules do not ban all security scanners, but they set strict conditions on how and when they can be used to protect passengers’ privacy and health rights. https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-modes/air/aviation-security/aviation-security-policy/security-scanners_en
Under the new framework:
- Use of scanners is voluntary: Member States and airports are not required to deploy them, but if they choose to do so, they must meet EU standards.
- Only non‑X‑ray scanners are permitted: To protect human health, devices that use ionising (X‑ray) radiation are not authorised for passenger screening.
- Privacy safeguards are mandatory:
- Scanners must not store, copy, print, retain, or retrieve images.
- Images must be reviewed remotely and not linked to the individual passenger.
- Passengers have the right to opt out of a scan and request an alternative method like a hand search.
- Passengers must be fully informed about the technology and screening conditions. https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/security-and-emergencies/airport-airline-security/index_en.htm
- These rules aim to ensure that security scanners, if deployed, are used consistently across the EU in a way that respects fundamental rights and health protections under the EU legal framework.
- For the official press release, see the European Commission announcement: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_11_1343