U.S. Homeland Security Department

is ordering airlines around the world to step up security measures for international flights bound for the United States. Compliance with the new rules could lead to the lifting of a ban on laptops and other large electronics, and stop plans to extend the ban to flights from Europe. The ban is currently in place for airlines flying to the United States from 10 airports in the Middle East and Africa. US Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly announced that the changes will be both “seen” and “unseen”, and will be phased over time.