this post was submitted on 22 Jul 2026
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The phone alert that could reveal a hidden lifeline (www.sbs.com.au)
submitted 1 week ago by okwithmydecay@leminal.space to c/australia@aussie.zone
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On Monday 27 July, millions of mobile phones across Australia will simultaneously emit a loud emergency alert as authorities test the nation's new AusAlert system for the first time.

The nationwide test is designed to ensure Australians receive lifesaving warnings during emergencies such as natural disasters, public safety threats and biosecurity incidents.

But family and domestic violence advocates warn the mandatory alert could also create unintended safety risks for some victim–survivors.

Immigrant Women's Speak Out Association in western Sydney says its biggest concern is for women who depend on hidden emergency phones to seek help.

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[–] elvith@feddit.org 7 points 1 week ago

Not meant as victim blaming, but since the phone should absolutely stay hidden and is probably NOT constantly with you, they should probably advise to switch off these warnings on those phones. They're usually either done via cell broadcast and you can disable this or via a specific app you need to install (which you shouldn't do then).

Disabling cell broadcast:

iOS: Settings > Notifications > scroll to the bottom

Android: Depending on the Vendor, for mine: Settings > Emergency & Safety > then switch off most of the things in the lower part.

Note: These warnings are there for a purpose and you usually want to receive them. Only disable them in those cases like the one mentioned in the article where keeping the phone hidden is an absolute priority.