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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Technology
Kat Wong

AusAlert blared around parks, libraries and cinemas for a few seconds, but some didn’t get the alert at all

Person seen checking phone
Australia underwent a nationwide test of a new warning system called AusAlert, which will be deployed in October to prepare Australians for fires, floods, terrorist incidents or health emergencies. Photograph: Darren England/AAP

A blaring emergency warning alert Australians had been warned about was anti-climactic for some – and totally missed by others.

Almost every phone in the country, alongside some smartwatches and tablets, was supposed to let off a loud noise at about 2pm AEST and receive a pop-up notification with the text “TEST MESSAGE” and “NO ACTION IS REQUIRED”.

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