Judge Rules DHS Need Not Disclose TSA Images to Public

The Electronic Privacy Information Center sued the Department of Homeland Security for the release of 2,000 full-body images of air travelers to determine TSA's impact on privacy and civil liberties. 

But Judge Ricardo Urbina ruled the government has no obligation under the Freedom of Information Act to disclose the images or related materials.

The judge agreed with TSA who said the release of such images images "would constitute a threat of transportation security" by highlighting any vulnerabilities of the technology.

Urbina said the government made a "reasonable conclusion that disclosure of the images may provide terrorists and others with increased abilities to circumvent detection by TSA and carry threatening contraband onto an airplane."

The Electronic Privacy Information Center is considering an appeal.