THE social media tool, Twitter, has introduced an alerts service in the USA, designed specifically to convey information in the event of an emergency.
Said Twitter last week: “Today, we’re launching Twitter Alerts, a new feature that brings us one step closer to helping users get important and accurate information from credible organizations during emergencies, natural disasters or moments when other communications services aren’t accessible.”
And among those writing about it was Daniel Terdiman, on the tech website, CNET, who says: “The new system makes sense because Twitter is already seen by many users as the most reliable way to get real-time information about breaking news, emergencies, and other events. Giving users a way to get the most reliable information from the most credible agencies is a natural extension of that common use case.”
Other writing about it? Reuters says it is currently available in the US, Japan and South Korea, but to be expanded to other countries: “The alerts program starts a year after Twitter showcased its potential as a lifeline during Hurricane Sandy, when stranded residents on the eastern U.S. seaboard reported the storm’s progress and sought help on the mobile network.
“A similar lifeline service played a part in the rescue efforts in Japan following the devastating 2011 tsunami, Twitter said. The program is initially available in the United States, Japan and Korea and will be expanded to other countries.”
Mashable reports it too.
And in the UK, a mobile phone text service – with a broadly similar objective – is being piloted, including in Glasgow. As reported here, by the BBC.
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