France releases terror alert app ahead of Euro 2016

• 2 hours ago
 
• From the sectionEurope

Image copyrightAFP/GETTY IMAGES

Image captionThe app is called SAIP, which is an acronym for Population Alert and Information System

The French government has released a mobile phone app to alert the public in the event of a terrorist attack.

The app is being released ahead of the Euro 2016 football tournament, which starts on Friday.

It will alert geo-located users "in case of a suspected attack", the interior ministrysaid in a statement (in French).

The government said the app was developed after November's attacks in Paris. which killed 130 people.

On Tuesday, the British Foreign Office warned that stadiums, fan zones and transport hubs were possible targets for attack during the football tournament.

Users will be able to sign up to receive alerts in up to eight different "geographical zones" in addition to their present location.

Alerts will offer a brief description of what has happened as well as advice on how to stay safe.

Image copyrightSAIP

Image captionThe app offers advice along with its alerts

Image copyright@PLACE_BEAUVAU

Image captionThe interior ministry has been promoting the app on Twitter

They will not cause the phone to vibrate or emit any sound in order to ensure that anyone hiding at the site of an attack does not alert the attackers, Metro News reported.

The government has stressed that users' privacy will be protected.

Later versions of the app will also alert users to other types of emergencies beyond attacks, including floods and industrial accidents, officials said.

It is available to download for phones running both iOS and Android operating systems.

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Media captionFrench security forces have been testing their abilities ahead of Euro 2016

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