As the traveling 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 traveler may also undergo additional screening.
TSA Press Release, July 6 2014
At this stage these measures only apply to “certain overseas airports” with direct flights to the USA. Expect them to become more widespread. Presumably they are worried that fake phones could have weapons inside them.
In the long-term, I can imagine a world where only government sanctioned devices and software will be allowed, anywhere. If so, the first step could be to catch a “terrorist” (most that are caught in the USA have been set up by the FBI) with a weaponised phone – a hidden razor blade would suffice – and then slowly start to control such items.
