European Union countries are considering new measures to boost airport security by using the virtual-strip machine" a body scanner that has raised privacy and religion concerns.

EU experts are to discuss the issue Thursday in Brussels.

The British government has called for the quick deployment of full body scanners that can detect security threats by showing what is concealed under people's clothing and has started using them already in different airports in the country.

The scanners had provoked a hot debate, and British privacy groups have expressed concern for children who pass through the scanners, saying images of their bodies would be indecent and unlawful as well as highlighted invasion of privacy.

On the same note, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini voiced support for the scanners, saying they are worth the "sacrifice" of privacy.