France launches smartphone app to alert people to terror attacks

Two days before the Euro 2016 football tournament opens in France amid a high police and military presence, the French interior ministry unveiled its alert app called Saip (Système d’alerte et d’information des populations), which was developed after last November’s coordinated terrorist attacks across Paris killed 130 people.

Available in English and French, the app can be configured to receive an alert if an attack occurs near the user. In the event of a terrorist bombing or shooting, the smartphone screen turns crimson and displays the word "ALERT”, a brief description of what is happening and advice on how to react.

Although the screen turns red, there is no sound or vibration so that anyone who might be hiding near possible attackers is not put in danger by their phone sounding, the daily Libération reported. The user then clicks on an information button to find out if a police operation is under way and what to do.

The app is also seen by the government as an official counterpoint to possible inaccurate speculation on social media. Its alerts can be shared on Facebook and Twitter.

The app was initially configured to alert only on armed attacks and bombings, but officials plan to update it so that it can flag industrial accidents, floods and other emergencies.

Advice already on the app includes general tips on what to do in other emergencies, such as a nuclear alert, including "take cover in a closed building”, "do not pick up your children from school” and "do not overcrowd telephone networks”.

The French interior minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, said after the November attacks that he wanted to improve information to the public at a time of crisis.