MANILA, Philippines – Electronic reading devices, such as Kindles, are normally restricted from being used on flights during takeoff and landing, though such restrictions may change soon, as legislation and research results loom on the horizon.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reportedly considering easing up its rules regarding e-reader use in airplanes. The New York Times mentions that an anonymous FAA official and a member of the working group tasked by the FAA into looking at e-reader use on planes said the FAA was “under tremendous pressure to let people use reading devices on planes, or to provide solid scientific evidence why they cannot.”

While the working group will have its findings on e-readers electronic emissions and planes by July 31, some are being proactive on opening up e-reader use on planes.

Sen Claire McCaskill, Democrat of Missouri, plans to hold the agency accountable through the introduction of legislation. In December, Julius Genachowski, chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) sent a letter to the FAA to ask it to allow more electronics use on planes.

As technology moves closer towards the implementation of wearable tech, airplane regulations and planes themselves may need to adapt to the changing times. Whether this is the beginning of a worldwide shift in tech in the air will depend on the coming months. – Rappler.com