The French Government has released a smartphone app that alert users to possible terrorist attacks. The push for such an app was spurned by the November 2015 terrorist attacks in Paris, and is in preparation for the Euro 2016 football tournament, which starts on June 10. The games are expected to attract around two million visitors to France.
The app is called SAIP (Systeme d‘Alerte et d’Information aux populations), a french acronym that translates to Population Alert and Information System.
The app has several features. Primarily, users of the app will first be geolocated, after which they will receive notification on “unexpected events” relative to their location, whether its in regards to the current flood situation in France or “in case of a suspected attack.” Included in the notification will be a brief description of what has happened as well as advice on what safety precautions to take.
Users will be alerted less than 15 minutes after the incident is confirmed, and will also be able to monitor other locations in case they want to check up on family and friends.
SAIP is available in both English and French, and is currently downloadable through Google Play.
Additionally, the BBC reports that the app does not cause any sound or vibration in order to not tip off attackers, referencing the French edition of the Metro News.
The French Interior Ministry introduced the app two days before the Euros kick off on Friday, after pilot-testing the app. French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said the app will “keep the public up to date with what we know.”
