Airlines and smartphone firms weather mobile phone bomb threat
Smartphone manufacturers and airlines are scrabbling to respond to the latest security threat identified by US authorities – mobile phone bombs.
British Airways has responded by urging all US bound holidaymakers to fully charge their mobile phones and other electrical goods when presenting at airport security – to demonstrate they possess a working device.
This follows intelligence reports suggesting that al-Qaeda bomb makers have developed a new device which can circumvent existing security measures.
A consumer backlash may prove considerable however with anyone caught with a flat battery, not uncommon with today’s power hungry gadgets, being treated as a potential ‘terrorist’.
In a statement the US Transportation Security Administration said: “As the travelling public knows, all electronic devices are screened by security officers.
“During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. The traveller may also undergo additional screening.”
Of particular concern to the likes of Apple and Samsung is that the popular iPhone and Galaxy ranges have been singled out for particular attention.