Why 10-second sirens will sound on our phones this year
The UK government will conduct an " emergency alert" system test this year, sounding a 10-second siren on millions of mobile phones across the country.
This test, in line with Covid inquiry recommendations, aims to warn the public about severe emergencies such as flooding, fires, and extreme weather.
Alerts will appear on phone home screens, vibrate, and emit siren-like beeps, requiring user acknowledgment before other phone features can be accessed.
The system, launched in 2023, is sent by emergency services and government departments, reaching an estimated 90 percent of mobile phones via 4G and 5G networks.
While the exact date is unconfirmed, this will be the last test of 2025, with subsequent tests planned every two years; users have the option to turn off the feature.
Emergency alert to be sent to millions of UK phones in government test
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
Dodgy Facebook crook tried to sell me shady £80 Fire Stick… then threatened to come to my HOUSE
AS I sit and scroll through my phone, I'm being bombarded with shady adverts on Facebook offering dodgy devices with 80,000 premium channels and movies. And it didn't take long for Facebook crooks to reach out to me offering their illicit services - but this time, the criminals are going one terrifying step further. 4 4 In the message, they not only offered "24,000 channels" including Sky Sports as well as movies and series in "HD quality" - they also offered to deliver to my address and install. It might seem like great customer service, but it could put you at risk of "physical harm", experts warned me, with unscrupulous characters turning up at your door. Not only that, Brits in possession of an illegal Fire Stick could receive a £1,000 fine, while those caught selling Firesticks could face jail time. Some dodgy dealers have already been locked up for operating criminal streaming sites as part of a global crackdown, but it's the offer to come to your home address and help install the Fire Stick that'd worrying experts. Kieron Sharp, chairman at the anti-piracy organisation FACT, told The Sun: "It's alarming that criminals can openly advertise illegal streaming services and turn up at people's homes to install them. "Letting them in puts you at risk — not just physically, but digitally too." Fire Stick maker Amazon has faced criticism for not doing enough to tackle illegal streaming on its devices. The gadget's open tech is meant to give people more freedom to download apps outside Amazon's own app store, but it's also susceptible to abuse by illegal streaming operators. An Amazon spokesperson said: "Piracy is illegal, and customers should not buy these devices." It's become a major problem for broadcasters and sports bodies, estimated to cost them billions every year, and they're increasingly frustrated about the lack of action from tech companies. IPTV Crackdown Matt Hibbert, Group Director Anti-Piracy at Sky, said firms want to see faster action from big tech platforms. "We know they have the technology and the capability, now we need to see action," he told The Sun. 'I will deliver' I was approached by an account on Facebook called "Firestick updating", which randomly added me with an open profile and very clear intentions. "SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE!!!" a post on their page unashamedly reads, alongside a photo of boxes and boxes of Fire Sticks. Another image shows a rip-off of the Sky Glass interface. It continues: "£60 for year subscription. "£80 for loaded stick no shipping charges." Within minutes of accepting their friend request, I received a private message. They bragged: "I've worldwide 24,000 channels with all sports channels 80,000 daily basis updated movies and series in HD quality. 4 "You'll have everything Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple T,V Disney+, full Sky package all sports channels ppv events all Irish UK USA TV channels, movies and series on demand. When I asked if it was traceable, they responded, "No mate, not at all". What shocked me even more was that the person offered to come to my house and install it there and then. Although I didn't share my address, just my rough location, I felt quite intimidated by the offer. They wrote: "I will deliver it and set it up for you." Curiously, researching the matter on Facebook seemed to make Meta 's algorithm think I was interested in illegal streaming, and loads of very obvious ads started to appear. Illegal streaming operations usually have ties to gangs, and the money they get from it funds other serious forms of criminal activity. So the idea of having a stranger who might have dodgy links turning up at my front door was quite scary, and more so considering vulnerable people who might allow them into their homes. Jake Moore, from security firm ESET, said: "Devices sounding too good to be true and sold by someone you don't know coming to your house should be the first alarm bell, but these devices have been known to ship with viruses and other dodgy programs onboard." STRANGER DANGER The risks of illegal streaming to your online life can also be pretty devastating. Fraud is the biggest consequence. We've heard from users who chanced it and had their bank account instantly accessed. A 46-year-old Brit - who has asked to remain anonymous - was referred to a cheap streaming site which gives users access to premium channels including Sky Sports. But shortly after entering his bank details a surge of transactions were attempted on his account totalling several thousand pounds. "A couple of friends had already done it and they had no issues," he revealed to The Sun. "It all seemed quite secure, so I didn't even think at the time. "After that, the payment was taken but there were all sorts of transactions on my bank account for quite a large amount of money which were on various times and various dates for different amounts. "It's scary really, they attempted thousands." Meta's website says the company removes "millions of violating posts and accounts every day on Facebook and Instagram", which can range from serious crime like terrorism, to sexual content not allowed on the platforms. "Most of this happens automatically, with technology working behind the scenes to remove violating content – often before anyone sees it," the company claims. When reaching out to Meta about the influx of illegal streaming ads on my Facebook profile, the examples I showed were quickly taken down. But many more blatantly illegal streaming services have simply replaced them, many featuring Meta's new WhatsApp button so you can chat to sellers immediately. Meta told The Sun that reviewing ads from millions of advertisers globally against its advertising standards is essential, but not without challenges. These devices can expose your Wi-Fi network, steal personal data, spread scams, and infect your devices with malware and viruses. We urge consumers to think twice Kieron SharpFACT The company emphasised that it doesn't allow fraudulent activity and works closely with law enforcement to support investigations and keep scammers off its platforms. Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police, told us: "Illegal streaming is a significant challenge for the industry and while it may seem like a low-risk, high-reward crime, the proceeds are used to fund other serious forms of criminal activity. At the same time, it can expose consumers to the risks of data theft, fraud and malware. "The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit works with partners across law enforcement and the industry to take action against these criminal operations by utilising our full suite of enforcement options, including pursuing criminal prosecutions and serving 'cease and desist' notices to offenders." While it might seem like a tempting offer, Brits be warned - criminals behind the computer screens are not just looking to infiltrate your digital life but your home life too.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- The Sun
Five ‘vampire' gadgets that drain £300 a year from your bank account are revealed – is yours plugged in?
EXPERTS have revealed the common household appliances that are draining your wallet while you sleep. And most homeowners aren't even aware of the high costs associated with these items. 6 A survey from Utilita Energy found that 42% of energy account holders are unaware of the running cost of these everyday high-power electrical items. Chris Madikian, an electrical expert at The Local Electrician, rounded up the devices that run continuously or use standby power, which could be costing your household a significant sum over time. He explained that many appliances draw power even when appearing inactive, with some older models often being even less efficient. "When thinking about big energy consumption, many people focus on the usual suspects, washing machines or tumble dryers, but overlook the constant drain from devices that run 24/7," he said. The expert highlighted the most common unexpected energy consumers found in most homes. Old fridges and freezers 6 He revealed that certain fridge and freezer models may be racking up your energy bills. "Your fridge runs constantly, and older models of 10 years old or more use substantially more electricity than newer ones," he said. "Fridge freezers often draw between 100 and 250 watts, with older models costing households almost £300 a year. "So making sure what you have is running efficiently is a top priority, and this can be done by checking the energy rating." The expert also recommended making sure your fridge door is sealed properly and cleaning the appliance as well. Families can get FREE washing machines, fridges and kids' beds or £200 payments this summer – and you can apply now Set-top boxes and gaming consoles Data from showed that game consoles left on standby cost UK households 60 times more than TVs left on standby. This amounted to a whopping £231 million a year collectively. 6 "Many of us likely leave these in standby mode, thinking they use minimal power," the expert explained. "However, many set-top boxes and gaming consoles draw around three to five watts of electricity even when not actively used." Chris noted that disconnecting these devices or using smart plugs could save households between £40 and £60 annually. Vampire appliances that are draining your money Appliance expert Ian Palmer-Smith revealed the eight electrical products that may be increasing your household bills, even when they are left on standby. Washing machines Dishwashers Tumble dryers TVs Microwaves Computer monitors Printers Coffee machines Outdoor security lights The energy expert explained that your exterior security lights could also be costing you more than you think. "Motion-activated security lights can use surprising amounts of electricity if poorly adjusted," he said. "If your lights get triggered by passing wildlife or swaying branches, this can waste energy throughout the night." He recommended making changes to your sensitivity settings or changing them to LED bulbs, which are generally more energy efficient. 6 Electric towel rails While electric towel rails are a nice touch in the winter months, they can significantly inflate your energy bills. "Electric towel rails often run continuously in bathrooms, and it's not something many of us think about in terms of energy consumption," the expert pointed out. "Many can use between 60 and 200 watts an hour." Installing a timer or thermostat can help manage their operation and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. 6 Chargers and power adapters And finally, the chargers for your various electrics could also be racking up your bills, even when not in use. "You may have several chargers plugged in around your home that continue drawing small amounts of power even when nothing is connected to them," Chris said. "Even though one charger not in use can only amount to just a few pence a year, having multiple chargers around the house can make this number build up." He suggested unplugging chargers when not in use or using power strips that can be switched off completely. 6 The expert advised people to search their homes to find anything that can be secretly adding to their energy bills. "Walk through your home and note anything that stays plugged in continuously," he said. "Consider upgrading older appliances, especially fridges and freezers, to more efficient models." Smart meters can help identify usage patterns and find unexpected energy guzzlers. Many UK energy suppliers now offer these devices free of charge to customers. Plus, a change to energy bills could help save up to £129 per household. And a full list of 22 energy firms offering payouts of £150 to UK households.
Telegraph
9 hours ago
- Telegraph
Ocado faces £20m loss on vertical farming start-up
Ocado is facing a potential £20m loss after a major UK farming start-up backed by the company fell into administration. The logistics group, led by Tim Steiner, had been a major backer of Jones Food, which was hailed as a game-changer for Britain's farming industry, allowing vegetables to be picked next door to delivery depots. But the farming venture fell into administration this year after Ocado signalled that it was not willing to provide more cash to the start-up and it failed to find a new backer. Ocado risks losing £21.7m on the collapse, filings for Jones Food's administration now suggest, and the company is unlikely to recoup the millions of pounds it pumped into the start-up. This includes £8.6m of initial investment in 2019 and a £3.7m cash injection in 2023. Administrators for the start-up said funds from the sale of Jones's assets would go on paying off expenses and creditors. The collapse of Jones Food is a fresh setback for Ocado, which has been battling to stem losses and churn out more cash in the face of higher debt costs. Ocado has been making heavy cuts in its research team in an attempt to help it shift into profit and was hit by a tripling of its debt interest costs after it refinanced looming bonds last month. Jones Food was among a series of investments made by Ocado into tech start-ups in an attempt to shrug off its image as an online grocer. Ocado struck a deal with M&S in early 2019 to run the online grocer Ocado Retail as a joint venture. Since then, Ocado Group has been focused on its robotic warehouses, which it sells to other companies including Kroger in the US. The collapse of Jones Food comes just over a year after the start-up opened its second vertical farm, which involves growing crops vertically in temperature controlled conditions rather than naturally on the ground. At the time, Ocado claimed the farm was a 'coming-of-age for agricultural technology in the UK' and said Jones Food had 'cracked the code for accessible, sustainable, premium food being grown all-year-round, at a super-competitive price'. The vertical farm, where fresh produce is grown indoors in shelves, provided herbs including basil, coriander and flat-leaf parsley for Ocado and Asda. However, vertical farming start-ups have struggled to become profitable. In filings for Jones Food, administrators said it was loss-making as soon as it was operational because it was running at around a third or half of its factories' capacity, and demand from customers was variable. Other vertical farming start-ups have also collapsed, including US-based Aerofarms which filed for bankruptcy in 2023. It has been seen as a sign of the bubble bursting for agricultural innovations, including cultivated meats. At the time of the administration, Ocado said: 'Jones Food is an innovative business, and Ocado Group has been a supporter and shareholder of the company for a number of years. As we await the outcome of the administration process, our thoughts are with all those involved with Jones Food.'
