New national emergency alert system launches today

The Australian government is launching a new $132 million emergency alert system that will send a 10-second alarm to all compatible mobile devices, smartwatches and tablets at 2pm Eastern Standard Time. The system has faced criticism from the public over privacy concerns and from state emergency services who say they will continue using traditional methods like radio, television and SMS alerts during natural disasters. Domestic violence victims are being urged to turn off secret phones or use aeroplane mode during the test to avoid detection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.