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FEMA Sued Over "Presidential Alert" Text Warning

posted by chromas on Saturday October 06 2018, @09:25PM   Printer-friendly

takyon writes:

Lawsuit seeks to stop FEMA's "Presidential Alert" system to cellphones citing First Amendment violation

A new lawsuit filed in New York is seeking to stop the implementation of FEMA's new "Presidential Alert" messaging system, an alert used for national emergencies that can be deployed by President Trump. Plaintiffs in Manhattan are suing Mr. Trump and FEMA Administrator Brock Long, claiming the alert system is a "violation of Americans' First and Fourth Amendment rights to be free from Government-compelled listening, as well as warrantless, non-consensual trespass into and seizure of their cellular devices."

Plaintiffs compare the alert system to "hijacking private property for the purpose of planting a Government-controlled loudspeaker in the home and on the person of every American." This new presidential alert is nationwide and only used for advance warning of national crises.

According to FEMA, the alert is not a text or SMS (short message service) but an audio and text warning that will display as a notification across a user's cellphone -- similar to the ones carriers receive during Amber Alerts and weather emergencies.

Previously: FEMA Emergency Test Message to be Sent to Most U.S. Cell Phones on Sept. 20 (or Oct. 3)
What to Expect From the U.S. Wireless Emergency Alert Test Today

Original Submission

 
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  • (Score: 3, Funny) by SomeGuy on Sunday October 07 2018, @03:45PM (1 child)

    by SomeGuy (5632) on Sunday October 07 2018, @03:45PM (#745526)

    Really, what is the the point of a "Presidential Alert"? What kind of message would there be that does not already fall under a national emergency?

    Altert!: "My fellow Americans, I am currently taking a shit! Yes, on the pooper. Major diarrhea. Too many tacos. Must get that wall built."

    At least with this president, we can rest assured any such message would be less than 140 characters :P

    Next, will off switches be illegal?

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  • (Score: 2) by All Your Lawn Are Belong To Us on Monday October 08 2018, @03:54PM

    by All Your Lawn Are Belong To Us (6553) on Monday October 08 2018, @03:54PM (#745994) Journal

    Eight (8) missiles inbound NE US hitting 12:10 Eastern Time. Turn on radio or TV now.

    You must have been born way past the cold war.

    --
    This sig for rent.