Full-body scanners pose no problem for Canadians

The choice leaves those concerned with privacy on the horns of a dilemma but, given the option, more Canadians would opt for a full-body scan over a pat-down when boarding a plane. According to a newly released Angus Reid poll, 67 per cent of Canadians would take the scan, compared to just 18 per cent who would prefer a pat-down. Moreover, an overwhelming majority of Canadians support the use of the scanners, which produces a three-dimensional image of the contours of a person’s body: 44 per cent of respondents strongly support their implementation at Canadian airports, while an additional 30 per cent of respondents moderately support relying on them. The scanners are due to appear at major airports in the coming weeks and will, at least at first, target only travellers bound for the U.S.

Angus Reid