Terror alert system will use Facebook, Twitter

System to start delivering alerts via multiple channels by April 27

The Homeland Security Department expects to put a new terror alert system in place by April 27 that would deliver timed, bi-level warnings to the public through various channels that include Facebook and Twitter, according to a news report today by the Associated Press.

The news service said it obtained a 19-page draft description of the new system, which would replace the color-coded alert system that had been in use since the 2001 terrorist attacks. The color-based system had been criticized as vague and unhelpful.

About the Author

Alice Lipowicz is a staff writer covering government 2.0, homeland security and other IT policies for Federal Computer Week.

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