This Issue

 

Our inaugural BIOS blog topic deals with security and scientific technology.

—

To prompt contributors, we chose a recent news article that raises some highly interesting questions about national security, individual privacy rights, and forensic body scanning. The MALINTENT scanner (read New Scientist article, read Fox News article), developed by the USA Dept. of Homeland Security, claims to be able to use subtle body cues to measure an individual’s intent to commit a crime. It is relatively small and could be used in many public spaces including, but not limited to, airports, stadiums and even malls.

In September, 2008, the scanner was tested on 144 subjects, most of whom never consented to such testing. Supporters argue that this device could dramatically increase our safety, while others claim it invades personal privacy and bodily integrity.

This issue speaks with some of the most prominent researchers in the field, including Professor Nikolas Rose, director of the BIOS Centre at LSE. He argues that … THE VIEW.

Furthermore, the MALINTENT scanner raises substantial legal issues as it claims to measure intent to commit a crime, not actual criminal activity. Legal Professor, Emily Jackson, says … PERSPECTIVES. Lie detection, and biometric testing in general, for forensic purposes has a long history, which doctoral student Rachel Bell describes in detail … PERSPECTIVES. Even more, brain scanning, even when used for disease detection is not as objective as the scientific community might hope. Finally, Des Fitzgerald, a doctoral student in the BIOS Centre, discusses his current research … RESEARCH. within the field and discusses the personal path he took to study some key issues in biomedicine and society.

As you explore this blog discussion, you will see that what, at first, may seem like a simple piece of technology is, in reality, a complex and multi-faceted development that challenges our existing social, legal, ethical and political foundations. Please notice the Comments and QUESTIONS page which offers you a chance to respond to open-ended questions and participate in this discussion on such a fascinating, and highly relevant, topic.