Forbes reporter prohibited from filming wife's patdown
Nov 24, 2010 | 10:23 am
#1
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Forbes reporter prohibited from filming wife's patdown
REALLY good article:
http://blogs.forbes.com/andygreenber...l-not-so-fast/
Her frisker was very polite and the procedure was barely invasive, if a bit more aggressive than in the past. But while she was being systematically searched from head to toe, I pulled out my BlackBerry to take some pictures and record a souvenir of the Great Gropefest of 2010. Within seconds I was being shouted at sternly by another TSA agent, who told me that either you stop taking pictures, or I take your camera. When I asked him why I couldnt take photos of my wife in a public place, he said that it was against the rules.
The right to photography at TSA checkpoints matters: I was mostly hoping to show my wife her ridiculous facial expressions as she received love pats from a stranger. Others might hope to document real TSA abuses, or point out dangerous vulnerabilities in its security measures.
If the TSA believes theres a good reason to prevent photography at checkpointsan important check on agents power, and one thats increasingly relevant as procedures cut closer to the line of what passengers will tolerateperhaps it should create rules to that effect. Giving discretion to TSA agents themselves is a perfect way to make sure that the most abusive agents have the power to go about their groping without pesky repercussions.
http://blogs.forbes.com/andygreenber...l-not-so-fast/
Her frisker was very polite and the procedure was barely invasive, if a bit more aggressive than in the past. But while she was being systematically searched from head to toe, I pulled out my BlackBerry to take some pictures and record a souvenir of the Great Gropefest of 2010. Within seconds I was being shouted at sternly by another TSA agent, who told me that either you stop taking pictures, or I take your camera. When I asked him why I couldnt take photos of my wife in a public place, he said that it was against the rules.
The right to photography at TSA checkpoints matters: I was mostly hoping to show my wife her ridiculous facial expressions as she received love pats from a stranger. Others might hope to document real TSA abuses, or point out dangerous vulnerabilities in its security measures.
If the TSA believes theres a good reason to prevent photography at checkpointsan important check on agents power, and one thats increasingly relevant as procedures cut closer to the line of what passengers will tolerateperhaps it should create rules to that effect. Giving discretion to TSA agents themselves is a perfect way to make sure that the most abusive agents have the power to go about their groping without pesky repercussions.
Nov 24, 2010 | 10:27 am
#2
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More predictable psychosis on the front lines. Photographing patdowns is not against the rules, of course, but if you point that out you're in big trouble. This is what happens when schoolyard bullies operate with impunity and are more focused on fighting innocent Americans than terrorists.
It stands to reason that the more photography goes on, the more transparent the process, and the less TSA has to worry about.
It stands to reason that the more photography goes on, the more transparent the process, and the less TSA has to worry about.
Nov 24, 2010 | 10:40 am
#5
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Any reporter worth his salt would have simply said "Please... PLEASE confiscate my phone. Please. I know my rights, and I will be all over EVERY CABLE NEWS CHANNEL in the country before the day ends. I'm a reporter, and I want to improve my visibility in the market, so do me a favor and PLEASE take my phone. I. Dare. You."
Nov 24, 2010 | 10:43 am
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If filming the screening process is a crime, then whoever puts up those CCTV cameras at the checkpoints should be arrested.
Nov 24, 2010 | 10:44 am
#7
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Any reporter worth his salt would have simply said "Please... PLEASE confiscate my phone. Please. I know my rights, and I will be all over EVERY CABLE NEWS CHANNEL in the country before the day ends. I'm a reporter, and I want to improve my visibility in the market, so do me a favor and PLEASE take my phone. I. Dare. You."
Nov 24, 2010 | 10:46 am
#8
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It would even provide what the current administration calls a "Teachable moment"... TSA director could come on and say "That screener was wrong, and we're going to take actions to correct them". Then he looks all reasonable, viewers wonder what the hubbub is, and all it costs is 4 hours of remedial training for one lowly smurf foot soldier.
Can't BUY that kind of PR.
Nov 24, 2010 | 10:54 am
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As long as it's happening to someone else. Many reporters have low tolerance for personal risk. I bet that Forbes reporter was more worried about the cost of replacing his iPhone than breaking a big story.
Nov 24, 2010 | 10:55 am
#11
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I hope everyone will read the article. He cites the TSA Handbook and Blogger Bob's post saying photography is ok.
He also says: For anyone who does manage to take photos of their airport security experience that youd like to share, send them to me at agreenberg (at) forbes.com, and Ill collect the most interesting ones for a future blog post.
This guy is a good one to have on our side.
He also says: For anyone who does manage to take photos of their airport security experience that youd like to share, send them to me at agreenberg (at) forbes.com, and Ill collect the most interesting ones for a future blog post.
This guy is a good one to have on our side.
Nov 24, 2010 | 10:55 am
#12
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Could be. Which is why I questioned his lack of mahbles to start with.
Nov 24, 2010 | 10:55 am
#13
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There are no rules. That's part of the "consistent inconsistency" strategy. A TSO can do anything he or she wants to you with no fear of discipline or reprisal. That's what makes checkpoint encounters more frightening than the infinitesimal, remote chance of a loony setting his shorts on fire next to you in 22A.
Nov 24, 2010 | 11:03 am
#14
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I hope everyone will read the article. He cites the TSA Handbook and Blogger Bob's post saying photography is ok.
He also says: For anyone who does manage to take photos of their airport security experience that youd like to share, send them to me at agreenberg (at) forbes.com, and Ill collect the most interesting ones for a future blog post.
This guy is a good one to have on our side.
He also says: For anyone who does manage to take photos of their airport security experience that youd like to share, send them to me at agreenberg (at) forbes.com, and Ill collect the most interesting ones for a future blog post.
This guy is a good one to have on our side.
Nov 24, 2010 | 11:21 am
#15
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This guy's blog said he was detained yesterday, 11/23, for taking pictures.
http://erratasec.blogspot.com/2010/1...ed-by-tsa.html
http://erratasec.blogspot.com/2010/1...ed-by-tsa.html