Facebook Emergency Alert System

The new system has been designed to help find missing or abducted children.

10:22 17 September 2015

Facebook is to launch a new emergency alert system wherein urgent messages and pictures are automatically posted to local people’s Facebook feeds to find missing or abducted children. The bulletins will include crucial information such as the descriptions of both the child and any suspects, along with details of any suspected vehicle.

 

The system has been launched in partnership with Child Rescue Alert campaign (CRA).

 

Emily Vacher, Facebook's trust and safety manager, said: "Time is critical when a child goes missing.

 

"The CRA could mean the difference between life and death. If you see one on Facebook don’t ignore it."

 

A similar system was instrumental in saving a newborn baby in Canada who was abducted by a woman posing a nurse. Local police issued an “amber alert” through the social network which was spotted by Charlene Plant, who said that the woman was a former neighbour.

 

Jo Youle, chief executive of the charity Missing People, which manages the Child Rescue Alert in partnership with the National Crime Agency, said: "Every minute after a child’s disappearance is crucial to bringing them home safely," she said in a statement.

 

"This fantastic new partnership with Facebook will mean even more members of the public can help safeguard children in the most extreme danger - and hopefully save a child’s life."

 

A spokesperson for the National Crime Agency added: "The speed at which a large number of people can be reached and the opportunities for targeting the search area through Facebook will be valuable tools for police forces in the event of issuing a CRA."