DOTs emergency alert test on Android phones in India causes confusion among users: Heres what happened

Today some users have received an ‘Emergency Alert’ from the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India. This emergency alert was basically a test flash for any emergency in the future, so that the Government can alert you under any emergency. Users received an emergency alert: severe' flash along with a loud beep. Interestingly, the emergency alert was sent to Android users only. Users received this alert at 1:35 PM today on August 17.

The emergency alert says, “This is a SAMPLE TESTING MESSAGE sent through the Cell Broadcasting System by the Department of Telecommunication, Government of India. Please ignore this message as no action is required from your end. This message has been sent to the TEST Pan-India Emergency Alert System being implemented by the National Disaster Management Authority. It aims to enhance public safety and provide timely alerts during emergencies”.

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A twitter user Arjun Arora got worried whether his smartphone is hacked as the alert showed on his smartphone twice. He posted on X (formerly Twitter), “This emergency alert message flashed twice on my phone's screen. Is it legit or has my phone been hacked?”

Periodically, various regions will conduct these tests to evaluate how well mobile operators and cell broadcast systems can broadcast emergency warnings. This assessment is being undertaken by the Department of Telecommunications’ Cell Broadcasting System.

Working together with the National Disaster Management Authority, the government is taking steps to improve its level of preparedness in dealing with major disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and flash floods.

The collaboration of the National Disaster Management Authority and the Government of India, are making plans and getting ready to deal with big disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and floods. They want to make sure that the government and the people who help during emergencies are ready to react quickly. They might create plans for what to do, practice what to do in drills, make communication better, and make sure there's enough stuff ready to help if something bad happens.

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Similarly, individuals using phones in India had experienced a test notification on July 20. However, not every Android user has got this emergency alert.