The International Air Transport Association, which represents the interests of airlines worldwide, addresses this rumor in their press release <
http://www.iata.org/pr/pr97dece.htm>. They indicate that they checked with the airline mentioned in the rumor, and with the manufacturers of the airplane and seats, and were unable to substantiate the rumor. The press release indicates the seats do not contain any magnetic components and therefore cannot damage electronic components via electromagnetic interference.