Health charity campaigners have expressed concerns that a Government-issued ‘Armageddon alarm’ might trigger epileptic seizures, following the dissemination of guidance for those affected.
This Sunday at around 3 pm, all 4G and 5G mobile phones throughout the UK will emit a 10-second siren and display a test alert.
It is said to be part of a system designed to warn the public in the event of life-threatening emergencies.
Campaigners worry that this ‘Armageddon alarm’ could inadvertently expose concealed phones used by abuse victims seeking assistance, potentially putting those hiding devices from controlling or abusive partners in danger.
And now today there have been further concerns raised over healthcare.
There are particular worries that the alert could ‘trigger’ people with epilepsy, the Daily Mail was today told.
The siren was previously distributed in March of this year, and officials have opted to conduct this national drill again, resulting in apprehensions from charities.
Nicola Swanborough, head of external affairs at the Epilepsy Society, cautioned that individuals with epilepsy could experience seizures triggered by loud noises, like the siren sound expected during Sunday afternoon’s test.
is Sunday’s alarm’ could trigger epileptic attacks, charities have said
This will be the first time that the Emergency Alert System has been tested in two years, following the system’s launch in April 2023
She added: ‘Equally, the stress of receiving the text message could trigger a seizure for others.
‘We are grateful that the government has issued warnings widely and in a timely manner.
‘We have circulated this information across our social media channels to ensure that as many people as possible are informed about Sunday’s test and can prepare themselves accordingly.’
Meanwhile, the UK’s demostice abuse commissioner has also expressed worries that perpetrators could be aletred to devices their suffering partners want to keep secret.
The Government-appointed Domestic Violence commisiioner Dame Noicole Jacobs has issued advice online following the announcement.
She told her 27,300 followers: ‘On Sunday 7 September 3pm the Govt will send out a test Emergency Alert to mobile phones We know that some victims of domestic abuse have concealed phones.
‘During the alert phones will go off even if set to silent Find out how to opt out of alerts.’
Emma Pickering, of domestic abuse charity Refuge, has also warned that the alert could expose lifeline phones hidden by survivors.
The emergency alert is used to warn if there is a danger to life nearby, in instances like extreme weather – although Sunday will only be a test
‘During the initial roll-out of the Government’s emergency alert system, Refuge expressed concerns about how the alerts could indirectly impact survivors who have hidden devices by making their abuser aware of the device,’ she said.
‘We must be clear – abuse is always a choice a perpetrator makes, and technology itself is not responsible.
‘When used correctly and as intended, technology can make vast improvements to our lives, and we know that having a hidden device that can be used to access support without fear of being tracked can offer a lifeline for many survivors.
‘However, in the hands of a perpetrator of abuse, technology becomes another tool to misuse and weaponise, often with devastating effects.’
Another charity, Solace, echoed the warning, stressing that many victims rely on secret phones to find help or rebuild their lives.
‘These alerts may put domestic abuse survivors at risk, if they are concealing devices from perpetrators,’ a spokesperson said.
‘Survivors may hide devices because they use them to seek and receive support, or to seek employment to increase their financial independence.’
Charities are urging anyone with a hidden device to disable emergency alerts ahead of Sunday’s drill.
During the previous sounding of the alarm in March, Know Your Human Rights claimed this was a ‘privacy violation’.
It said: ‘You have no right to access citizen’s private mobile devices. Once again you’ve over stepped the mark bringing us ever closer to a dystopian surveillance society.’
The Government insists the alert — which is also used in countries like the US and Japan — is a life-saving measure, and says it will only be deployed in extreme circumstances.
The system, the Government says, will only be used in rare but life-threatening emergencies, such as severe flooding, fires, or terror attacks. Similar alerts have already been used during major storms.
The alert system was used in Plymouth after an unexploded World War II bomb was uncovered and had to be removed
Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, defended the alert: ‘On Sunday September 7 we will hold a UK-wide test of the emergency alerts system to ensure it works when we need it most,’ he said.
‘It is a vital tool for keeping the nation safe when lives are on the line – and every minute matters.’
‘During Storm Darragh and Storm Eowyn, as millions faced dangerous extreme weather, I saw first-hand how effective it was at getting life-saving advice to at-risk communities in an instant.’
‘We do not use the system often, but like the fire alarm in your home, it is always on standby should we need to act.’
