"Truth Verifiers" for Moscow airport security

[rainheart]

Airline passengers face lie detector tests

Millions of airline passengers travelling through Russia will soon have to take a lie detector test as part of new security measures.

The technology, to be introduced at Moscow's Domodedovo airport as early as July, is intended to identify terrorists and drug smugglers. If successful, it could revolutionise check-ins.

Passengers will pick up the handset of a "truth verifier" machine while they are asked questions. Apparently the machine, developed by an Israeli company, can even establish whether answers come from the memory or the imagination.

The technology is being used by some insurance companies in Britain to screen telephone claims for fraud.

"We know that this could be uncomfortable for some passengers but it is a necessary step," said Vladimir Kornilov, the IT director for East Line, which operates the airport.

At first, only passengers deemed suspicious by the FSB, the security service that succeeded the KGB, will take the test. But it will eventually encompass all passengers.

"If a person fails, he is accompanied by a guard to a cubicle where he is asked questions in a more intense atmosphere," Mr Kornilov said.

The machine asks four questions. The first is for full identity, while the second, unnerving in its Soviet-style abruptness, demands: "Have you ever lied to the authorities?" It then asks if the passenger is carrying weapons or narcotics.

To cut delays to a minimum, passengers will take the test after putting their shoes and baggage through the X-ray machines and before retrieving them. Officials insist that it will take between 30 seconds and a minute.

Personally I don't like the wording in this article (emphasis added):
"At first, only passengers deemed suspicious...will take the test"
"'If a person fails, he is accompanied by a guard to a cubicle where he is asked questions in a more intense atmosphere,'"

Just exactly what constitutes failing the test? Do you fail if you answer truthfully that you have lied to the authorities before? Do you fail if you lie about lying to the authorities before? What constitutes a suspicious passenger? Just exactly what happens in this "intense atmosphere"?

IMHO there's too many ways this whole thing can fuck up, and too many things are left open to interpertation.

[CandleInTheDark]

It's Russia. That gives me some shivers when I think of an "intnese atmosphere" in that country.

[Gatorade Frost]

Originally Posted by CandleInTheDark

It's Russia. That gives me some shivers when I think of an "intnese atmosphere" in that country.

That's because it's cold there. Gives me the shivers, too.

[The_Jazz]

As a student of Russian history, I can tell you that the Soviets redefined "intense atmosphere". My best guess is that it will probably be relatively innocuous by gulag standards, but fairly disagreeable by Western standards. Given the recent problems with Chechens and other ethnic groups, "suspicious people" probably means "people with dark skin". Given the efficiency of Russian beaurocracy in general, "between 30 seconds and a minute" means "expect endless lines".

[samcol]

"have you ever lied to authorities?"

Is that for real?

Just more thought crimes in airports I guess.

[The_Jazz]

Originally Posted by samcol

"have you ever lied to authorities?"

Is that for real?

Just more thought crimes in airports I guess.

We're talking about Russia. They don't have to recognize your First Amendment rights. Their country, their government. If you don't like, don't visit.

[Xazy]

I can see that being developed in Israel. If you ever traveled el-al, you will find that they will literally give you a 2-10 minute interview asking you questions. Based on the response depends on how thoroughly your luggage is gone through (or perhaps you being detained etc...).

I would not be surprised to see it being used over there shortly as well.