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.

Featured

  • FCW PERSPECTIVES
    sensor network (agsandrew/Shutterstock.com)

    Are agencies really ready for EIS?

    The telecom contract has the potential to reinvent IT infrastructure, but finding the bandwidth to take full advantage could prove difficult.

  • People
    Dave Powner, GAO

    Dave Powner audits the state of federal IT

    The GAO director of information technology issues is leaving government after 16 years. On his way out the door, Dave Powner details how far govtech has come in the past two decades and flags the most critical issues he sees facing federal IT leaders.

  • FCW Illustration. Original Images: Shutterstock, Airbnb

    Should federal contracting be more like Airbnb?

    Steve Kelman believes a lighter touch and a bit more trust could transform today's compliance culture.

Stay Connected

FCW Update

Sign up for our newsletter.

I agree to this site's Privacy Policy.