Emergency phone alert put domestic abuse victims at risk, campaigners say
Campaigners and domestic abuse charities have criticized the UK government for sending an unannounced emergency phone alert regarding wildfires. They argue that the sudden, loud notification poses a significant safety risk to victims who hide secondary phones from their abusers.
Why it matters
It highlights the unintended consequences of emergency technology systems on vulnerable populations and the need for inclusive policy design.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, The alert took many by surprise when it was sent on Friday night
An emergency government phone alert warning of wildfires across England and Wales put domestic abuse victims at risk, campaigners have told the BBC.
Millions of people's mobile phones lit up and bleeped with a "severe alert" notification on Friday which said there was a "very high risk of wildfires nationally".
But charities and survivors have criticised how a lack of advance warning meant there was little chance to protect those hiding secret phones in domestic abuse situations.
A government spokesperson said the alert was sent "after a direct request from fire and rescue services" and it was working closely with domestic abuse charities for tests of the system.
Published 25 July People who fled Stourbridge fires start to return home
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