People with secret ‘safe phones’ advised to turn off devices during national test of AusAlert emergency warning
Australian authorities are conducting a national test of the new AusAlert emergency system, which will trigger a loud siren on most mobile devices. Domestic violence advocates have advised individuals with hidden 'safe phones' to turn them off to avoid detection during the test.
Why it matters
The test highlights the intersection of public safety technology and the specific security needs of vulnerable populations like domestic violence survivors.
Some older phones may not receive the AusAlert emergency warning on Monday. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Some older phones may not receive the AusAlert emergency warning on Monday. Photograph: Mick Tsikas/AAP Australia news People with secret ‘safe phones’ advised to turn off devices during national test of AusAlert emergency warning Ten-second ‘siren’ to blare on most phones on Monday as part of national test despite reservations from some states
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Prefer the Guardian on Google An unsilenceable siren will blare out of most phones in Australia on Monday afternoon for 10 seconds, with the federal government confirming a national test of the new AusAlert emergency alert system will go ahead, despite reservations from some state governments.
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