In the aftermath of a false missile alert in Hawaii earlier this year, two U.S. senators have introduced the READI (Reliable Emergency Alert Distribution Improvement) Act to reduce the chances of error and also improve dissemination of information through streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify.
According to a release on the website of Brian Schatz, US senator for Hawaii, the changes would include removing the option for people to opt out of receiving mobile phone federal alerts such as missile warnings and establish false alert reporting systems for followup with the FCC. The senators also call for the act to compel FEMA to oversee more of the process, including the need to “create best practices for state, tribal, and local governments to use for issuing alerts, avoiding false alerts, and retracting false alerts if they occur, as well as for alert origination training and plans for officials to contact each other and federal officials during emergencies”.
The act would also explore using audio and video online streaming services to offer emergency alerts to people who subscribe. “It’s not certain to happen even if the READI Act becomes law, but this could ensure that you’d see an alert even if you’re caught up in a GLOW marathon,” quips writer Jon Fingas at engadget.
Source:
https://www.engadget.com/2018/07/18/senate-readi-act-would-improve-emergency-alerts/
