OTTAWA - Virtual strip-search machines at Canadian airports won't be snapping pics of travellers' private areas, if tests on new body scanner software prove successful.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) said it's testing software that allows scanners to highlight potentially dangerous items on a "stick man" image, instead of displaying detailed anatomy as is done right now.

"We tested the software at the Ottawa airport, I think, 18 months ago," said CATSA spokesman Mathieu Larocque. "We're continuing to test the software at our testing facility in Ottawa."

He said there's no timeline for when the tests will be complete.

Canada has been using full body scanners at airports since 2010.

In the US, airports are already moving toward having body scanners that produce the less detailed image of travellers.

All body scanners at American airports will use the less invasive technology by June.