Emergency Alert!

rowyn

And how would they get all the numbers? Sounds like a belated April Fool to me.

It doesn't work that way they don't need your number

Is it just smartphones that will get the alarm? I've just got a bog standard pay as you go phone.

And how would they get all the numbers? Sounds like a belated April Fool to me.

Grandma14

Sadly I suspect that this has arisen since the escalating threat of what Putin might do

This has been going on for years in other countries. Probably at least 10.

The UK is just behind the times on this.

Sadly I suspect that this has arisen since the escalating threat of what Putin might do

You can deactivate it on your phone

Oh please… the government won’t be tracking you. Every mobile provider will trigger the life of death alert to all compatible mobiles. Why don’t GNs read the news before posting alarmist stuff? Of course throw phone out and drown in your bed (or whatever the alert is for) - your choice

I get similar alerts when I visit my ds in the States even though I have a UK phone. It’s usually a warning of thunderstorms.

A good idea if you live in a potential flood area - but I've wondered if this has something to do with
Putin's nuclear threat Like Oreo - I'm thinking that hiding under the table is the only option unless you've built a nuclear proof bunker .
And no doubt they exist for certain people .

We already get power and water cut alerts from the companies in our area and they often happen. A good idea at the moment when the water has to be collected 6 miles away.
Hopefully not preparing for nuclear alerts when non of us would have the facilities to implement anything.

I choose to get alerts on my mobile but it is voluntary. You can choose the range so I have within 10 km of our home. They let you know of fires, flooding etc. I think it is quite useful, especially if there is a fire and you are out.

If I were more paranoid I might think this was about ramping up preparations for nuclear war. A slightly less clumsy way than the ludicrous Protect and Survive pamphlets of the 1980s.

Even if it saves just one life it’s a good thing

It was discussed on the Laura Kuenssberg political programme yesterday morning and the “alert” sounded.
It is loud enough to make you jump if your mobile is nearby on 23 April early evening when the test is to be carried out.

It's a good idea in my opinion. I welcome it.

Interesting that they've chosen St. George's Day to launch it - slaying the dragon of modern apocalyptic disasters. Or is in honour of Shakespeare's birthday?

On balance, a plus, I'd like to think I could be found, and well aware I can be tracked etc anyway..... I already get power cut alerts as on some kind of list and I appreciate it.

"Wonder what it's costing the taxpayer..."

Next to nothing? Technology is out there already.

But its like anything = yes possible future misuse in wrong hands etc and in that case I'd reconsider settings or even carrying one round..

The alerts are only for more modern mobiles that are 4G or 5G, so really old mobiles won't be affected.

Yes fair point. I wouldnt trust them to recognise an emergency if it was dancing on the table singing I am an emergency.

I’d like to think that it’s a good idea, but I’m deeply cynical.
I would not want the current government any where near any possession of mine.
I wouldn’t be surprised at all if our mobile phones suddenly start bleeping, clanging, bursting into flames and speaking in tongues

Those who have the knowledge - like GCHQ can track you now and even listen in your conversations, the whole phone spectrum is scanned for terrorism trigger words.

So if any of us are planning mischief, throw away your mobiles and computers

Already used in the USA for tornado etc warnings. I’ve no problem with it.

Your phone will receive a text message on April 23rd.
If it’s concerning you switch it off.

Seems like a good use of tech to me.
If Putin goes nuclear we can be prepared to hide under the table.🤪

With extreme weather conditions becoming more common every year this seems like a good idea.