Terrorism appFrance unveils app to alert people to terror attacks

Euro 2016 soccer tournament begins on Friday, and as part of the massive security operation undertaken to secure the ten millions spectators who will be watching the games from 10 June to 10 July, the French government has created a smartphone app designed to send warnings directly to people’s phones in the event of a bombing, shooting, or other disaster.

This week has already seen a major beefing up of police and military presence in the cities where the games will be played, and earlier this week the French Interior Ministry unveiled a new app — called SAIP (Système d’alerte et d’information des populations) — which was developed after last November’s terrorist attacks in Paris.

Libération reports that the app. available in English and French, receives an alert if an attack occurs near the user.In the event of a terrorist bombing or shooting, the smartphone screen turns crimson and displays the word “ALERT,” a brief description of the incident, and suggestions how to react.

The screen turns red, but there is no sound or vibration so that if a user is hiding near where the attackers are, the alert does not put the user in danger. The alert also offers a button the use may click on for information on whether a police rescue operation is under way and instructions from the police on what to do.

Officials at the French Interior Ministry say that another role the app aims to play is to offer an official version of events to counter inaccurate information on social media.

The alerts may be shared on Facebook and Twitter.

Libération notes that the app was initially meant to issue alerts only on armed attacks and bombings, but that it will be upgraded so it could flag industrial accidents, floods, and other emergencies.