UK to test emergency alert system on millions of phones, drawing criticism over intrusion

The national system, modelled on similar schemes in Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and the US, aims to warn the public if there is a danger to life nearby

The 10-second alarm at 3pm on Sunday, which will sound even if phones are on silent, is expected to disrupt entertainment and sporting events

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The UK will test a new emergency alert service on Sunday. Photo: Dreamstime / TNS

Published: 7:59am, 23 Apr 2023

The UK will conduct its first test of a new emergency alert service on Sunday, with millions of mobile phones set to emit a loud alarm and vibrate at 3pm local time.

The national system, modelled on similar schemes in Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and the United States, aims to warn the public if there is a danger to life nearby but has generated criticism over “nanny state” intrusion.

A message will say: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.”

Emergency services and the government hope to use the system to alert people to issues such as severe flooding and fires.

The 10-second alarm, which will sound even if phones are on silent, is expected to disrupt entertainment and sporting events, including Premier League football matches.

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