Thaindian News

Washington, Nov 23 (ANI): Despite recent controversies being raised about full-body scanners at airports, nearly two-thirds of Americans support the new scanning machines, saying that they are more concerned about fighting terrorism than protecting personal privacy, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll.

However, half of all those polled say enhanced pat-down searches go too far.

According to the Washington Post, 68 percent of those polled say that the government should focus on looking into possible terrorist actions, even if that intrudes on personal privacy, while 26 percent say that the government should primarily avoid privacy intrusions.

As far as the new scanning machines are concerned, 64 percent support them, while 32 percent are opposed to them. About twice as many of those polled “strongly support” the new digital X-ray machines compared with those who “strongly oppose” them.

About a third of all Americans see the new scanning machines as a potential health risk, but most say that’s not a big concern. Forty-five percent of those who see a possible health risk nonetheless support the new scanners.

Over 400 controversial scanning machines have been put to use at 70 of 450 U.S. airports since October, but the majority of passengers are not being asked to use them.

Meanwhile, the White House spokesman Robert Gibbs has said that the US airport security agency is working to balance travellers’ privacy concerns with security needs, adding that the controversial new screening would evolve with travellers’ consents

Gibbs’ comments came amid growing complaints over the new procedures, revealing full-body scanners and intrusive “pat-downs” for those opting out of scans, the report said. (ANI)