Conspiracy theories about AusAlert test spreading online
Australian authorities are preparing for a national test of the new AusAlert mobile notification system. The test has sparked online conspiracy theories regarding government surveillance, which experts have debunked by explaining the cell broadcast technology used.
Why it matters
Public trust in emergency communication infrastructure is critical for national safety, especially when misinformation threatens the adoption of life-saving tools.
Some Australians have been discussing AusAlert conspiracy theories online. ( ABC NEWS Verify )
Link copied Share Share article The upcoming test of Australia's new national mobile alert system has led to false claims and conspiracy theories being spread online.
The AusAlert system works by broadcasting a 10-second siren and message to compatible mobile devices including mobile phones, some smartwatches and tablets.
A planned test of the system will occur nationally on Monday, July 27, at 2pm AEST.
Some Australians have been discussing everything from whether the government is using the system to secretly track them, to what precautions people who have hidden phones for safety reasons should take.
ABC NEWS Verify spoke to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), which is delivering the test and alert system, as well as an independent telecommunications engineering expert to address some of these questions and concerns.
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