Most in US are OK With Body Scanners

Yes, you read the title of that post correctly!

A new survey performed by Unisys found that 90% of respondents from the United Kingdom would be willing to use body scanners present at airports. What about across the pond? About two thirds of Americans are also willing to submit to body scans, and 57% are fine with using biometric data like fingerprints during security checks. Actually, only two of the countries surveyed, Mexico and Hong Kong, had only a minority support body scanners.

Meanwhile, 72% are willing to submit additional personal information ahead of time. That's already being done, really, with the TSA's new SecureFlight program that requires passengers to submit their name exactly how it is on their ID, as well as providing their date of birth and gender.

This move is not just to enhance security - it is also makes the watch list more accurate, helping those who unfortunately have names that are close to a terrorist's. For example, an old history teacher of mine has the same name as an IRA member, often resulting in extra hassles at the airport.

But anyway, this survey does show that while there has been plenty of vocal opposition to body scanners here in the States, most are willing to submit to these scans. The only hope now is that travelers are giving up some privacy for a good reason - actual enhanced security.