THEBEN

Terahertz-Detektionssysteme: Ethische Begleitung, Evaluation und Normenfindung

Direction:
Prof. Dr. Regina Ammicht Quinn
Phone: +49 7071 29 77988
home

Coordination:
Benjamin Rampp M.A.
Phone: +49 7071 29 77517

Project staff:
Julia Krumm
Dr. Michael Nagenborg
Dr. Ari Ofengenden (from 1.11.2007 to 31.1.2009)
Heidi Schäfer (since 1.5.2010)
Andreas Traut (since 1.2.2009)

E-Mail: thebenspam prevention@izew.uni-tuebingen.de

The THEBEN-Project addresses the questions of „security ethics“ on a theoretical and on a concretely applied level. This is done in the specific context of researching, developing and implementing security technologies, especially terahertz detectors.

Terahertz waves have a frequency of between 0.1 and 10.THz and are located between high-frequency microwaves and far-infrared on the electromagnetic spectrum. Terahertz detectors make it possible to scan people and objects in order to reveal concealed dangerous goods such as explosives, weapons or contraband. Terahertz waves can penetrate packaging and clothing and provide a visible image as well as a spectroscopic analysis (a so called „chemical blueprint“). In contrast to common metal detectors terahertz detectors make it possible to identify hidden objects without the health risk of x-rays. Ceramic knives as well as plastic explosives when hidden under clothing, can be detected as well as explosive liquids.

Terahertz detectors can be used as portal scanners or stand-off systems. They may be used in connection with other wide area scanners. Primarily, they are designed for use in airports. By increasing the security of people and critical infrastructures, the terahertz detectors are developed to help ensure safe and secure mobility.

Terahertz waves not only make explosives attached to the body beneath clothing visible. The “naked” body of the person being submitted to this kind of search is also exposed. The increase of security thus leads inevitably to questions of privacy, intimacy and nudity. The conflict of security and other basic human values such as freedom, justice and privacy must be critically evaluated. From an ethical perspective questions about the application of new security technologies are at the same time questions about the future of society. How much security do we want? How much do we need? What kind of security do we want or need? What price are we willing to pay to live in a “secure” society?

The focus of the THEBEN-Project are terahertz technologies which are applied to human beings. It will critically reflect ethically relevant questions in the technology’s development and design. The project will also evaluate and contribute to case-scenarios. In addition THEBEN will also critically examine and evaluate social developments and their relevance for the design and application of security technologies. The project will develop concrete recommendations for politics and research based upon the results of the evaluations. In addition it will provide policy advice, especially in the field of research policy .

THEBEN works together with five Terahertz research groups. In addition, it will also work both with potential end-users and those on whom the technology will potentially be used.

In the near future the THEBEN-Project team will present a guide for the ethical evaluation of security technology in general. This guide is aimed especially to provide ethical orientation of security issues for decision-makers in politics, users, affected persons and the general public.

The THEBEN-Project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research within the research program for civil security.

Workshops
Workshop "Der Einfluss von Sicherheitstechnik auf die Mobilität von Menschen mit Behinderungen im Kontext der Flughafensicherheit am Beispiel Körperscanner", 21. and 22.07.2010 in Tübingen.
Workshop: Vorsicht, Durchsicht, Weitsicht - Ethische Aspekte von Terahertz-Detektionssystemen, 30. und 31. March 2009 in Tübingen.