So this Sunday coming, 3pm, the mobile phone networks in the UK will allow the government to send an alarm signal to every compatible device in the country.
Details here
www.gov.uk
There was a phone in topic on the radio this morning, so I’d like to mention a few things.
And I know this post will open a floodgate of conspiracy theory… all welcome comments.
This system is already in place in a number of other countries. Canada was named during the programme.
The alert is not doing anything that isn’t already being done by your network or phone manufacturer. You already get notifications of available updates…. This is no different.
The government are not controlling your phone!
Your phone will not suddenly send its data to some covert government department. All that is happening is your phone is being forced to show something on screen and make a noise. One way data from the network to your phone.
If the government wants your data, they’ll already have it without you knowing.
The test will be national, but any actual emergency alerts will be localised to wherever the emergency is. So a fire at a chemical plant in the centre of London, billowing toxic fumes into the air will not be a reason to send emergency alerts to anyone in Aberdeen.
I don’t know about big billboards in cities, or on the sides of busses, but here in the rural backwaters, there has been zero publicity about this. I think I’ve heard about it half a dozen times over the last few months… No tv adverts, no newspaper adverts that I can recall… Just the odd discussion on radio, tv or internet. I don’t think my parents even know it’s going to happen…. I’m going to call them tonight about it.
I personally believe it’s a positive thing, but wish there had been more warning about it.
Details here
About Emergency Alerts
Your mobile phone or tablet may get an emergency alert if there’s a danger to life nearby. Alerts tell you what to do to stay safe.
There was a phone in topic on the radio this morning, so I’d like to mention a few things.
And I know this post will open a floodgate of conspiracy theory… all welcome comments.
This system is already in place in a number of other countries. Canada was named during the programme.
The alert is not doing anything that isn’t already being done by your network or phone manufacturer. You already get notifications of available updates…. This is no different.
The government are not controlling your phone!
Your phone will not suddenly send its data to some covert government department. All that is happening is your phone is being forced to show something on screen and make a noise. One way data from the network to your phone.
If the government wants your data, they’ll already have it without you knowing.
The test will be national, but any actual emergency alerts will be localised to wherever the emergency is. So a fire at a chemical plant in the centre of London, billowing toxic fumes into the air will not be a reason to send emergency alerts to anyone in Aberdeen.
I don’t know about big billboards in cities, or on the sides of busses, but here in the rural backwaters, there has been zero publicity about this. I think I’ve heard about it half a dozen times over the last few months… No tv adverts, no newspaper adverts that I can recall… Just the odd discussion on radio, tv or internet. I don’t think my parents even know it’s going to happen…. I’m going to call them tonight about it.
I personally believe it’s a positive thing, but wish there had been more warning about it.
- TL;DR
- UK nationwide emergency alert. Sunday 23rd April 3pm
