Online shoppers are being warned not to shop or use their banking apps during a government, emergency alert trial in a few weeks time according to consumer experts.
On April 23, millions of mobile phone users across the UK will be part of an 'Armageddon alert' system. The Government will be testing its new smartphone Emergency Alert, popularly known as the ‘Armageddon Alert’ which will see loud alarms go off on devices, along with an alert message.
Consumer experts, Parcelhero have said the alerts will potentially freeze mobile phones but the government have denied this will happen. The alerts are designed to save lives, and warn people if they are near a "danger to life nearby."
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Tests have already been carried out in Suffolk and Reading, and now there are plans for it to be rolled out to the rest of the UK near the end of April. As well as the distinctive siren sound during the alert, a message on user's mobile or tablet’s screen will say: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby.
"In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”
Home delivery experts, Parcelhero, have said that while the new alarm system will "undoubtedly save lives in the future" when used to warn of extreme weather events, terrorist acts or fires, they can pose a possible problem during mass testing on all 4G and 5G networks.
The consumer experts have said the mass alarms could lead to disruption and failed transactions for mobile phone users, especially those who regularly use Amazon, eBay, PayPal or Apple Pay to purchase items. They have even warned that the alters could potentially make their phones freeze.
However, the government have denied this will happen. A Cabinet Office spokesperson said: "This is not correct, you can swipe away the notification and continue to use your phone as normal, as you would with any message or call."
ParcelHero’s Head of Consumer Research, David Jinks M.I.L.T said: "When the Government’s Emergency Alert test activates on our mobile phones and tablets, everyone will have to acknowledge the warning to regain access to their device’s features.
"A message will appear on home screens, with vibrations and a loud warning siren that will sound for about 10 seconds, even if the phone is set to silent. That’s certainly going to be alarming if you have just pressed “Buy Now”."
Mobile phone masts will broadcast the alert, meaning every compatible mobile phone and tablet in range of a mast will freeze and show the message. Phones and pads don’t even have to be connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi to get the alert.
Mr Jinks added: "That means there’s little way of avoiding the impact of this test. That’s bad news for people gaming, shopping and banking on their devices as the alert is broadcast.
"We also anticipate issues immediately after people receive the test, as many of us race to share our experience by calling, texting or using WhatsApp. When multiple devices all try to use the same network, overcrowding occurs as they compete to connect.
"This means low quality or buffering during streaming, latency during gaming, and frustratingly slow browsing speeds."
Parcelhero have shared advice though on what consumers can do during the test on April the evening of Sunday, April 23. There's also a way to opt out too here.
Mr Jinks has said mobile users will need to dismiss the message, before they can regain functionality. He added: "If you really must shop, there is a simple hack that means your phone won’t receive the alert.
"Search your settings for “emergency alerts” (these are in Notifications on an iPhone). Then select turn off “severe alerts” and “extreme alerts”. However, we don’t recommend this as the alert could save your life in the future."
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