NZers Support Airport Full Body Scans

New Zealanders Overwhelmingly Support Full Body Scans at Airports to Combat Threats to Aviation Security

Unisys Security Index shows nearly 7 out of 10 New Zealanders will sacrifice privacy for greater security during air travel

The majority of New Zealanders have swept aside privacy concerns over the use of full body scanners at airports with more than two thirds of adults supporting the use of the devices, according to new research released today by Unisys.

The results, from the latest Unisys Security Index™ conducted by Consumer Link, show New Zealand air travellers are willing to undergo a range of procedures such as full body scans and biometric identification to increase aviation security and enable more efficient passenger processing.

The findings follow renewed debate about the introduction of full body scanners, in response to recent aviation security incidents including the thwarted attack on a transatlantic jet on Christmas Day.

“Aviation security is again a strong concern among New Zealanders in light of recent incidents,” said Brett Hodgson, Managing Director, Unisys New Zealand.

“Our newest Unisys Security Index research shows New Zealanders do not mind giving up some level of privacy in exchange for additional aviation security and convenience,” he said. “In the three scenarios of undergoing full body scans, biometric identification and providing personal information in advance, the majority of New Zealanders say they would be willing to participate even if it meant some loss of privacy.”

Recognising the need to address air travel security concerns, Unisys today also announced the launch of its Next Generation Airport Passenger Security Solution. This new solution integrates advanced technologies with existing IT and communication systems to provide passengers with an improved travel experience while enhancing security and reducing costs.

On a scale of zero (no concern) to 300 (highest level of concern), the overall April 2010 Unisys Security Index for New Zealand stands at 115, two points higher than the last survey in October 2009.

Of the four areas tracked by the Unisys Security Index, New Zealand saw the largest movement in the area of personal security, which measures concerns about overall personal safety and the security of personal information. Twenty-two percent of New Zealanders surveyed said they were extremely or very concerned about their personal security, up 7 percent since October.

Of the 91 percent of respondents who said they travelled by air, the following percentages of New Zealanders said they were willing to sacrifice some privacy when travelling by air in order to attain greater security and more convenience:
• 66% said they would be willing to submit to full body electronic body scans at the airport
• 67% said they would be willing to prove their identity by providing biometric data such as iris scans and fingerprints
• 75% said they would be willing to provide personal data in advance of travel including passports and driver’s licences

“These results are a real eye opener, illustrating that air travellers are indeed willing to participate in measures that could make their travels safer.

“Aviation regulators should take note of the New Zealand public’s approval of these security measures regardless of privacy concerns, which indicates there is support for more stringent measures,” said Mr Hodgson.

ENDS

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