France Releases Terrorism Alert App ahead of the Euro Cup

Amid security concerns over Euro Cup soccer tournament that kicks off June 10 in Paris, the French government just launched an app—Population Alert and Information Services (SAIP), to be exact—that’ll hopefully keep people safe in the event of a terror attack.

In the event of an incident like the November shootings that left 130 dead, the app uses
geolocation to send relevant alerts and information, along with instructions to stay safe, during a terror attack. If an attack were to occur, the SAIP app will send push notifications, which will not cause any vibrations or emit sound in order to protect those hiding, within 15 minutes after authorities have confirmed the incident.

Not only will the app warn users about attacks, but additional security inclusions allow users to monitor alerts for up to eight different post codes and, similarly to Facebook’s Safety Check, check the safety conditions near their family and friends.

Interestingly, the app hasn’t even reached its final form. Future versions will alert users of nearly any and all emergencies (or so says the BBC), including floods (which they could use now), industrial accidents or probably even, say, a resurrected Réveillon riot after the Euro 2016 semifinal rounds.

Tom is a travel writer, part-time hitchhiker, and he’s currently trying to imitate Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? but with more sunscreen and jorts.