France releases terror alert app ahead of Euro 2016

“‘Things are getting better?’ The creation of SAIP leaves you thinking that, at least in terms of security, it’s not really the case”, said one Twitter user, referring to President Francois Hollande’s mantra that life for the French is improving.

The Euro tournament begins Friday at the Stade de France, the same venue where Islamic State militants detonated suicide bombs in the November attacks.

SAIP (Système d’alerte et d’information des populations) is created to help keep people safe during the UEFA Euro 2016 soccer tournament kicking off on Friday in France.

Terror fears have dominated the build-up to the high profile football event which will see millions of fans flock to France just seven months after 130 people were murdered in the Paris attacks.

The app uses geolocation data to alert users only about security concerns relating to their area.

The government also asks each user to be an “ambassador” and spread the message to friends, acquaintances and through social media.

British counter-terrorism officers are playing “a key part” in planning against attacks that may target the tournament and a United Kingdom team has travelled to France and is working with police and intelligence services there to assess possible threats.

Users will be able to sign up to receive alerts in up to eight different “geographical zones” in addition to their present location.

Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve tells the AFP that the app will “keep the public up to date with what we know”.

The FCO advice was updated on Monday, although officials said this was not linked to the arrest of a Frenchman with an arsenal of weapons and explosives, who has been accused by Ukrainian police of plotting a string of terror attacks before and during Euro 2016.

French striking CGT labour Union garbage collectors block access with pile of rubbish bags to the Paris’ waste treatment center in Ivry Sur Seine, near Paris, France, Wednesday June 8, 2016. There shouldn’t be many false alarms either, as alerts will only be issued with authorization from the French Interior Ministry.