[Infowarrior] - TSA’s Electronics Checks Coming to U.S. Airports Soon

[Richard Forno]

TSA’s Electronics Checks Coming to U.S. Airports Soon

By Jeff Plungis and Alan Levin Jul 9, 2014 4:40 PM ET

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-07-09/u-s-said-to-expand-mobile-device-rules-at-airport-checkpoints.html

A new requirement for U.S.-bound fliers to turn on electronic devices at airport security checkpoints overseas is being expanded to certain passengers on domestic flights, according to people familiar with the plans.

TSA started requiring some fliers to turn on laptops, smartphones and other devices in Europe, Africa and the Middle East earlier this month. The agency will require the checks for a limited number of travelers in U.S. airports selected for extra screening, said two people familiar with the plans, who asked not to be named because the decision isn’t public.

The checks won’t apply to every flier, and will be used more sparingly than overseas, the people said. Other procedures, including different kinds of pat-downs and shoe checks, won’t be brought to U.S. airports, the people said.

TSA won’t publicly specify which travelers will be affected. All electronic devices are already subject to security checks, including being run through screening machines.

The agency continues to adjust security measures to fit an ever evolving threat environment, a Department of Homeland Security official said. Information about specific enhancements is sensitive, said the official, who asked not to be named.

During the security examination, screeners may ask that owners power up some devices, including mobile phones, the official said. Devices selected for this screening that can’t turn on won’t be permitted to board. The traveler may also undergo additional screening.

To contact the reporters on this story: Jeff Plungis in Washington at jplungis at bloomberg.net; Alan Levin in Washington at alevin24 at bloomberg.net

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Romaine Bostick at rbostick at bloomberg.net Elizabeth Wasserman

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