France’s Terror Alert App To Help People Stay Safe During Attacks
A terror alert app has been launched by France’s interior ministry on Wednesday as the country continues to enhance security measures ahead of the kick-off of one of Europe’s largest sporting events, the Euro 2016, on Friday, June 10, at Stade de France in Paris.
The terror alert app, called SAIP (Système d’alerte et d’information des populations), will inform users of any attack 15 minutes after the danger has been corroborated by authorities, according to Radio France International.
The app, which works on both Android and Apple’s iOS platform, sends out vital information to users during a terror attack. It will also be used to alert people about possible security risks (such as harmful products or nuclear radiation exposure) following an attack. The app is free and is available in both English and French on the Apple Store and Google’s Play Store.
Travelling to France for #Euro2016? Download #SAIP app for official (silent) alerts on terror attacks. #BetterSafe pic.twitter.com/x6svhYUbuF
— Philip Nolan (@philipnolan1) June 9, 2016
The French interior ministry explained that the terror alert app will be used to send practical information to users about the nature of a security threat and how to behave to stay safe. Users can choose to turn on the geolocation feature on the app, which will ensure they are notified if they are close to a high-risk area. Alternatively, users can use the “Follow a place” feature to keep tabs on up to eight locations and be warned if they come under any terror threat, according to BBC.
Users will have the option of sharing the alerts they receive on the app via social media to ensure more people are aware of the possible danger.
While French authorities and the organizers of the Euro 2016 have said there is no specific threat against the tournament, French security officials have been conducting “doomsday scenario” drills in stadiums across the country, according to the Guardian. The drills included fake suicide bombs and chemical attacks.
The Euro 2016 is arguably the largest sporting event that will be staged in France after the November 2015 terror attacks that left over 130 people dead and hundreds injured. Millions of people from Europe and across the world are expected to make their way to France for of the competition.
Understandably, there has been some apprehension about safety in the country. In preparation for the Euro 2016 and the Tour de France, the French government has extended its state of emergency until the end of July, France24 reported. The move is expected to empower security operatives to curb potential threats.
“Euro Cup stadiums, fan zones, and unaffiliated entertainment venues broadcasting the tournament in France and across Europe represent potential targets for terrorists, as do other large-scale sporting events and public gatherings places throughout Europe,” a statement from the U.S. State Department said.
British Prime Minister David Cameron has also warned that there is a “significant terror threat” in France, according to CNN.
However, the director of Europol Rob Wainwright has voiced confidence in the security preparations that France has made ahead of the tournament.
“As President [Francois] Hollande has recently stated, we have to consider the possibility of an attack during this event but the French authorities have taken immense measures to secure the event. They have one of the best security systems in Europe and Europol will be right there to support them wherever possible,” he said in a statement.
It is unclear to what extent France’s new terror alert app will go to assuage concerns about the security at the upcoming tournament.
France has vowed to protect the privacy of all the users of the app. Meanwhile, authorities are planning to update the terror alert app to include information about emergencies such as natural disasters, according to the Guardian.
[Photo by Lionel Cironneau/AP Images]
