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FCC Intros Silent Emergency Alerts

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Feb 27, 2025, 1:28 PM by Rich Brome @rbrome.bsky.social

The FCC has updated its rules for Wireless Emergency Alerts to allow for alerts that are silent. Authorized message originators will now be able to choose whether to suppress the loud sound and vibration that usually accompany such alerts. For accessibility, consumers will be able to override the vibration settings to always receive vibrating alerts if they wish. These new rules from the FCC are intended to address "alert fatigue" that leads people to switch off Wireless Emergency Alerts, reducing their effectiveness in public safety. "In addition, in some situations, such as during an active shooting, the loud 'attention signal' may put a consumer in greater danger."

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