Hong Kong Travellers Amongst The Least Willing to Forgo Personal Privacy for Additional Security at AirportsGlobal Unisys Security Index research shows Hong Kong and Mexico record lowest approval for full electronic body scans at airports
HONG KONG, April 14, 2010 – Hong Kong residents are amongst the least willing to forego personal privacy in exchange for additional aviation security measures, according to new global research released today by Unisys.
The Unisys Security Index™ research found that of the 11 nations surveyed, Hong Kong residents rank second lowest in their support for a range of aviation security initiatives such as full body scans, biometric identification procedures, or access to private information. Only Mexico scored lower in the survey.
“Less than 50 percent of Hong Kong residents said they would participate in these procedures if it meant some loss of privacy,” said Terence Wong, Practice Director – Public Sector, Unisys Hong Kong. “These results contrast sharply with those seen in many other countries such as the United Kingdom, where 9 out of 10 respondents indicated they would be willing to forgo some level of privacy for additional security measures.”
The following percentages of Hong Kong citizens responded favourably to security precautions:
“Despite recent high profile security infringements, it appears Hong Kong residents are amongst the least willing of the world’s population to forego some level of personal privacy when it comes to specific security measures”, said Mr. Wong. “This may be because Hong Kong travellers have had relatively minimal exposure to security threats close to home. As a result, they may be complacent or over confident in the current levels of security. Alternatively, the results may simply be a reflection of Hong Kong International Airport being constantly ranked1 as one of the best in the world.”
The countries surveyed as part of the Unisys Security Index research were the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong.
Recognizing the need to address air travel security concerns, Unisys today 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.
The global 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 2009.
Overall, the new Unisys research shows the majority of air travellers in other countries are willing to undergo additional security procedures designed to make security even tighter. Following is the global data from the Unisys research:
US Full Body Scan 65%
UK Full Body Scan 90% Biometric 91% Personal information 94%
Germany Full Body Scan 64% Biometric 70% Personal information 52%
Netherlands Full Body Scan 81% Biometric 68% Personal information 71%
Belgium Full Body Scan 66% Biometric 57% Personal information 57%
Spain Full Body Scan 61% Biometric 52% Personal information 69%
Brazil Full Body Scan 65% Biometric 59% Personal information 53%
Mexico Full Body Scan 24% Biometric 31% Personal information 15%
Australia Full Body Scan 70% Biometric 68% Personal information 77%
New Zealand Full Body Scan 66% Biometric 67% Personal information 75%
Hong Kong Full Body Scan 47% Biometric 44% Personal information 44%
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Footnote
1 Hong Kong International Airport ranked #3 in World’s Best Airport Awards 2010 http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards_2010/Airport2010.htm
Methodology
The Hong Kong research survey was conducted nationally by Synovate during 10 February to 2 March 2010 using a nationally representative sample of 896 respondents aged 18 years and over. All results have been post-weighted to Hong Kong Census and Statistics data. For more information on the Unisys Security Index including additional resource material visit: www.unisyssecurityindex.com.hk
About Unisys Asia Pacific
In Asia Pacific, Unisys delivers services and solutions through subsidiaries in Australia, New Zealand, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, The Philippines, Singapore, and Taiwan and through distributors or resellers in other countries in the region. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.hk. Follow us on www.twitter.com/UnisysAPAC.
About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide information technology company. We provide a portfolio of IT services, software, and technology that solves critical problems for clients. We specialise in helping clients secure their operations, increase the efficiency and utilisation of their data centres, enhance support to their end users and constituents, and modernise their enterprise applications. To provide these services and solutions, we bring together offerings and capabilities in outsourcing services, systems integration and consulting services, infrastructure services, maintenance services, and high-end server technology. With approximately 25,000 employees, Unisys serves commercial organisations and government agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit www.unisys.com
Contacts
Neelesh Hotwani, Grayling, +852 2521 7300
Leanne Pok, Grayling, +852 2521 4189
Claire Hosegood, Unisys, + 61 411 253 663
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