Terror alert app launched in France, will help citizens get instant information

Ahead of the Euro 2016 football tournament, The France government has released an app that will help citizens get instant information on terror attacks in the country. The app is simple and will alert the geo-located users in case of a suspected terror attack. The government told the BBC that the app was developed after the Paris Attacks that took place in November last year, where 130 people lost their lives.

The Interior Ministry app, called SAIP, flashes a warning on a user's mobile phone screen if there is an attack close to their location or suspicion of an imminent strike. Users can also request alerts for up to eight geographic areas, including individual districts in the capital.

"'Things are getting better?' The creation of #SAIP leaves you thinking that, at least in terms of security, it's not really the case," said one Twitter user, referring to President Francois Hollande's mantra that life for the French is improving. "Not very reassuring, but it is useful," said another Twitter user.

Earlier this week, the French intelligence agencies and the United States had sent out an alert, warning that stadiums, fan zones and transport hubs are possible targets for attacks during the football tournament. Using the new app, users will be able to sign up to receive alerts in up to eight different geo-location zones in addition to their present location. The alerts will bring in brief descriptions of what has happened and advice on how they can stay safe.

According to the Metro UK, the app is also designed not to vibrate or send out any audible alerts when there are notifications from it. This has been done so that if a user gets an alert and is present in the attack zone, it would not alert the attackers about it. The app also stresses on user’s privacy protection.

The latest version of the app also offers emergency details, apart from floods, industrial attacks and a few others. The app is available for iOS and Android.