The U.S. Transport Security Administration (TSA) announced Sunday uncharged cellphones, laptops and other devices will be banned from flights coming to the U.S.
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said earlier this week the TSA is enforcing the new prgram after re-evaluating previous measures to ensure security at airports, according to CNET. The new measures have been reported to be the agency's answer to potential terrorist attacks, a threat that has been supported by new information concerning terrorists in Syria and Yemen who have created bombs that could get past earlier screening processes.
While no official list of affected airports has come out, London's Heathrow has been reported to be a location of particular concern.
"During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones," the TSA said. "Powerless devices will not be permitted on board the aircraft. The traveler may also undergo additional screening."
Travelers already have to turn on their laptops at times, supposedly so the TSA can determine whether the device is real or if it contains explosives, The Washington Post reported. The agency did not mention what it will do with phones that can't be turned on, or how owners will be able to retrieve devices that are confiscated by airport security.
"DHS continually assesses the global threat environment and reevaluates the measures we take to promote airport aviation security," Johnson said in a directive last Wednesday. "As part of this ongoing process, I have directed TSA to implement enhanced security measures in the coming days to certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States."
Johnson added that the agency will share the information with allies in other countries.
While the TSA stated it is always changing its procedures, the new measures have a chance of making security checks even stricter, CNET reported. Airports in Europe, the Middle East and Africa have already established stricter security checks for Samsung Galaxys and iPhones.
"I don't want people to think that this is just a sort of a blip for a week," said Nick Clegg, the U.K.'s deputy Prime Minister. "This is part of an evolving and constant review about whether the checks keep up with the nature of the threats we face."
