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<\/picture><\/span>Image source, <\/span>Cabinet Office<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nA UK-wide emergency alert system announced by the government is due to be tested on Sunday, 23 April.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A message will appear on the home screens of mobile phones and tablets from 15:00 BST, accompanied by a loud siren-like sound or vibration lasting for about 10 seconds.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The minister in charge of the system, Oliver Dowden, said the new system was a “vital tool to keep the public safe in life-threatening emergencies”. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The test alert will say: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “Visit gov.uk\/alerts<\/a> for more information. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The test had originally been planned for the early evening but was moved to avoid clashing with an FA Cup semi-final, which kicks off at Wembley Stadium at 16:30.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Phone users can swipe away the alert message or click “OK” on their home screen to continue using their phone as normal.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The alerts will work on all 4G and 5G phone networks in the UK and on devices with the following software:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n There is no need to register or download an application. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n But older “non-smart” phones will be unable to receive the alerts, and nor will devices that are turned off or on aeroplane mode. The alert will sound on phones on silent mode. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The government has said the emergency services will have other ways to notify those without a compatible device.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The alerts will not replace local news, radio or social media.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The alert is expected to reach about 90% of mobile phones, the Cabinet Office said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Despite the government strongly recommending enabling devices to receive alerts, users can opt out by searching their settings for “emergency alerts” and turning off “severe alerts” and “extreme alerts”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Personal data about a user’s device or specific location will not be collected or shared, according to the Cabinet Office<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The alerts will be broadcast from mobile-phone masts to every compatible phone and tablet within range – the government or emergency services do not need to know the mobile-phone number or any other personal data. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Domestic-abuse campaigners, including the charity Refuge, warn the test could endanger some vulnerable people by potentially alerting an abuser to the location of a hidden phone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhat will the message say?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Which devices will receive the alerts?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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Can users turn off emergency alerts?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Is personal data protected?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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<\/picture><\/noscript><\/span><\/span>Image source, <\/span>Reuters<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nWhy have some organisations criticised the test?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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