Emergency Alert: Critical – The emergency notification reached all Android devices at 12:19 PM today
Many smartphone users across the country were startled when they received an unexpected message labeled ‘Emergency Alert: Severe’ around 12:19 pm on Friday. This message was sent via the Cell Broadcasting System, which is operated by the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India. The alert flash read:
“This is a SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE sent through Cell Broadcasting System by Department of Telecommunication, Government of India. Please ignore this message as no action is required from your end. This message has been sent to TEST Pan-India Emergency Alert System being implemented by National Disaster Management Authority. It aims to enhance public safety and provide timely alerts during emergencies.”
The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) explained through various communication channels that the cell broadcast alert system is a technology that enables the government to send urgent and time-critical messages related to disaster management to all mobile devices located within a specific geographical area. This system works regardless of whether the recipients are permanent residents or visitors.
It was not the first instance when people across the country have witnessed such flashes but they have been receiving such alerts for a while now since last month. Here the question is, should one be concerned about the same? As stated in the flash itself, that the broadcasted message is just a regular cybersecurity check up by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Many users took X (earlier Twitter) to share their concerns regarding the alert.
