France comes up with new 'terror alert' smartphone app

Image for representational purpose only

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Amid growing security concerns over the start of Euro 2016, the government of France has launched a new smartphone application to alert users to possible terror attacks.

The application, which is free to download in both French and English, will send users a warning “in case of a suspected attack,” said the Interior Ministry, which has piloted and introduced the service.

It will also alert users — who must agree to be geolocated — about “unexpected events” such as the breaching of flood defences.

Alerts will appear on the app less than 15 minutes after the incident has been confirmed by authorities, and will be customised according to the user’s exact location.

Users of the app will also be able monitor alerts for up to eight different geographical zones, allowing them to check on family members or friends.

(With AFP inputs)