DHS to Send Widespread Alerts

MarsGov writes "The Department of Homeland Security is gearing up to be able to periodic test 'alerts' to cable television stations, satellite radio, as well as any text-capable device — PDAs, cell phones, and web sites." From the article: Some glitches remain as telephone companies and other networks grapple with potentially trying to alert all of their customers at the same time without jamming their systems, Lawson said. But the alerts could be transmitted by text messages, audio recordings, video or graphics, he said, opening the possibility of sending out additional detailed information to specific sectors, like hospitals or emergency responders."

Comments

Re:Just in time for the fall election season

[lawpoop]

"What I find unfortunate is that DHS can't win. "

I think it's a little early for you to come to this conclusion.

"If they send out any kind of alert and nothing happens, they overreacted (even if there was a real threat and the perps simply scratched their mission once they were exposed.). "

If you look at a timeline of terror alerts, they all seem to coincide with the release of news that was damaging to the Bush administration.

"If they don't send an alert and something happens, they take the blame for that. "

Has that actually happened (yet)? That's why I say it is perhaps too early for you to say that they can't win.

"If they use it to send out emergency information on a hurricane bearing down on New Orleans... well, they won't do that right, because you believe this tech will only be used for political gain (though TFA says it may be used for natural disasters)."

Did they issue such a warning for hurricane Katrina? I honestly don't recall if they did. If they did, kudos to them.

If this is a tech that can be used for good or evil, based on historical evidence, I think the Bush administration will use it for evil.