Takeover of our cell phones ????

Emergency broadcasting system takeover of our cell phones?

In the news, the federal government has approved a plan to use your cell phone as part of a nation-wide emergency alert system. The idea is that in case of a national emergency such as a terrorist attack, a local emergency such as a tornado or hurricane, or even personal crimes such as child kidnappings, text messages would be sent to cell phones to notify the public.

Mobile phones are becoming more and more widespread and most people carry theirs with them everywhere. That opens up a unique opportunity for conveying important information - but some folks don't want unsolicited messages, especially from government agencies, even if the intent is noble. There is supposed to be a way to opt-out and there's no charge for the messages. Still, it does seem more like an invasion of privacy than broadcasting those messages on TV and radio. Will we have to deal with "This is a test. This is only a test" messages on a regular basis?
Good idea or bad?

I would have to say I am not in favor of it. I bought my phone for my use. I do not like phone solicitations and I don't like this idea. I have enough other technology that I use to keep me informed of whats going on already.

Samwitty wrote:

Emergency broadcasting system takeover of our cell phones?
There is supposed to be a way to opt-out and there's no charge for the messages. Still, it does seem more like an invasion of privacy than broadcasting those messages on TV and radio.

I think you said everything you need to say right here. IT isn't mandatory (or at least it looks as though it wouldn't be) and there is no charge. IF you are the type of person who wants to know right now when some child in another part of the state was kidnapped, then you can find out. Personally, I would opt in for the weather alerts. I already do that now with my cell phone.

And I don't really see it as an "invasion of privacy." I think people throw that phrase around too often. Just being told something that you didn't choose initially to be told about doesn't consititute invasion of your privacy, no more so than an annoying billboard on the roadside.

I read about some type of an emergency notification testing at FHSU the other day. I know it mentioned cell phones either being used or considered to be used in the future. I do know they sent e-mails out as part of it.

at fhsu they made it manditory for it's employees to provide a contact number for this notification. a month before the test took place they sent a note out to all department heads with the names of individuals who did not give the required information out and made them give it. on another note i did sign up for the amber alert notification.....don't remeber the web site but i wish it gave a person the choice of an area to be covered instead of just a choice of 5 towns or cities

zeke wrote:

at fhsu they made it manditory for it's employees to provide a contact number for this notification. a month before the test took place they sent a note out to all department heads with the names of individuals who did not give the required information out and made them give it. on another note i did sign up for the amber alert notification.....don't remeber the web site but i wish it gave a person the choice of an area to be covered instead of just a choice of 5 towns or cities

It is mandatory where I work as well. And that makes sense. Especially with the problems on campuses these days. Again, I don't think this is an invasion of privacy.