Emergency warnings will be sent directly to mobile phones in Finland under a new system called FI-Alert, according to the Ministry of Interior in a press release.
The system will complement Finland's existing emergency warnings by enabling authorities to send alerts almost instantly to phones in specific affected areas.
Currently, emergency warnings are available through the 112 Suomi and Yle apps, radio and television broadcasts, teletext page 112, and the 112.fi and yle.fi websites. Authorities can also use public warning sirens.
The new system is being introduced as authorities seek to improve their ability to reach the public quickly during emergencies, amid a changing security situation.
No app or personal information required
FI-Alert is based on Cell Broadcast technology and the EU Alert concept.
Such technology allows mobile phones to receive alerts without users having to share personal information, such as their phone number or location data.
The only requirements are that the phone is switched on and configured to receive Cell Broadcast messages. No app needs to be installed in advance, and users do not need to subscribe to the service.
The technology uses a distinctive sound to draw attention to alerts, even when a phone is set to silent. Messages appear on the phone screen automatically and remain there until the user acknowledges them.
The ministry has previously stated that the system is suited to emergency situations because it does not place the same strain on mobile networks as mass text-message distribution.
Similar systems are already in use or being developed in several European countries, and the Ministry of the Interior says the technology is becoming the most common way of using mobile phones to warn the public.
In August, the government proposed amending the law on emergency warnings to allow alerts to be sent using Cell Broadcast technology. President Alexander Stubb is expected to approve this legislation on Friday and bring it into force at the beginning of November.
