pAfter a moderate earthquake hit Michoacan, Mexico on April 29, users in the region received an unexpected message that said “Presidential warning” It was a small test of what will be implemented nationwide from next year.
“Presidential Alert” is part of a new alert system in Mexico, which will reach all users’ mobile devices in some areas of the country. The system’s official name is Common Alert Protocol, or CAP for its abbreviation in English. Although it was built in 2020, it won’t go into effect across Mexico until next year.
📢 ATTENTION: We have received the report # Clean up APP issued #SeismicAlert On some phones (image attached).
he @SASMEX sent no warning, therefore, # Clean up Nor does it send any messages to its users.
These “Presidential Alert” messages are… pic.twitter.com/0mICQlzb6U
— SASSLA (@SasslaMx) May 1, 2024
This is not entirely new, as since the second national drill in 2023, the government has started testing the new system. In total, there are three different levels, each more serious. Level 3 is for serious warning messages, and users can disable them at any time
For their part, level 2 warning messages are extreme warnings, and their reception may also be disabled. Finally, Level 1 alert messages are known as presidential alerts and represent a very high riskAnd users won’t be able to disable them.
It is hoped that these messages will be sent shortly before a crisis such as an earthquake at the national level starting in 2025.. On a related note, new changes are coming to the WhatsApp app in Mexico. Similarly, prices for streaming services in Mexico have risen.
Author’s Note:
While there is clearly a good gesture behind this system, I can’t help but think about those who suffer from anxiety, and how it might affect them that they now receive such messages without warning. However, it can save lives in extreme cases.
Through: Snap
