The British government is launching a new emergency alert system, which will be tested on Sunday with a “loud siren-like sound” that will blare from cellphones for up to 10 seconds across the country. Similar alert systems are used by governments and institutions worldwide in life-threatening situations such as terror attacks and dangerous weather. These alerts, which are often sent as notifications or text messages, warn people in the path of danger to take shelter or to get to safety.
However, the test of the warning service has prompted a backlash among some officials and organizations, who are encouraging people to turn off the service.
What’s happening?
On Sunday at 3 p.m., people with smartphones across Britain, including visiting tourists, will receive an alert that the government described as a “loud, siren-like sound” accompanied by a vibration. “It will appear on your device’s home screen and you must acknowledge it before you can use other…
2023-04-22 02:00:10
Source from www.nytimes.com
