• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Taking to X (formerly called Twitter), several users reported that they received emergency alerts of the "Severe" category on their smartphones at around 12:25 PM on Friday. A prompt with a loud beep appeared on these iOS and Android devices. This alert confused users as to why they received this message.

X users have been posting their reactions to the activity. While some thought their phone was hacked, others questioned that did it went out for everybody. Some users applauded the technology as a medium for the government to reach out to people in emergency situations.

Also Read: Govt Warns Of AI Chatbot FraudGPT And Online Courier Scam; Here's How To Remain Safe

"This is a SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE sent using Cell Broadcasting System by Deptt of Telecommunication, Govt of India to TEST Emergency Alert System of NDMA. No action is required from your end," the flash message reads.

1.

2.

Emergency Alert: Why Government Sends Emergency Alert?

The Telecommunication Department of the government periodically sends emergency alerts while testing its Emergency Alert System across India. This Pan-India system is implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority to improve people's safety and offer periodic alerts.

In a press release on September 28, PIB reported that DoT and NDMA will jointly be conducting a Cell Broadcast Alert System test for the well-being of the citizens. They will be conducted across all Telecom Service Providers. Plus, it added that tests will be checked from time to time to assess their effectiveness. The release added that the tests will be conducted in different states. It shall be tested next in Punjab on September 29 (today).

Also Read: Emergency Alert: Why NDMA Is Sending Notifications On Your Phone; Know Reason Here

The Alert System allows the government to broadcast critical messages in case of a disaster or other warnings to each mobile phone located in a designated area. It is commonly used to deliver alerts about evacuation, safety warnings, and calamity signs such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods and more.

During the testing phase, these messages are labelled as "SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE" to not brew confusion in the minds of the receivers. To recall, several Indian smartphone users also received a similar message in July, August and September.

Also In News