Advertisement

Facebook to introduce missing child alerts in Australia

Facebook has announced it will introduce its missing child alert system in Australia, which is already used in 12 countries to help find suspected abduction victims.

What is it?

The Amber alert system - named after nine-year-old Amber Hagerman, who was abducted in Texas in 1996 - is used by law enforcement authorities to send crucial and timely information about suspected abduction victims to the public in the hope tip-offs will help lead them to the child.

How is it used now?

Police send out alerts to media outlets who are instructed to broadcast the information frequently.

They are intended for time-critical situations where a child is reasonably expected to have been taken and could be in danger.

Today police signed off on the Facebook activation of the Amber Alert in Australia. Source: 7 News
Today police signed off on the Facebook activation of the Amber Alert in Australia. Source: 7 News

Why is it being adopted by Facebook?

In times of crisis, Facebook users are noted to turn to their accounts to help connect with friends or loved ones and request help.

The tech giant says it's merely making it easier for people to use the platform in a way they already are.

The alert system means Facebook users may be able to help find a missing child. Source: 7 News
The alert system means Facebook users may be able to help find a missing child. Source: 7 News

What will it look like?

Similar to a normal post in your news feed, but it will ideally include a photograph of the child, a registration number for any vehicle linked to the case and a contact number for authorities.

You won't be able to comment on the post or react but can "share" it to your page or visit a missing person poster through a "learn more" link.

The post will appear as the second item in your news feed.

This is what the Amber Alert will look like on a smartphone. Source: 7 News
This is what the Amber Alert will look like on a smartphone. Source: 7 News

Who willreceive it?

Any user known by Facebook to be within a 160 kilometre radius of where a child is reasonably suspected of having been abducted.

The search zone will change if there a "credible sighting" of the child elsewhere.

How do I make sure I receive it?

Turning on location products on your account will help, as will "checking in" to locations or listing your current city.

However, Facebook admits it's ultimately up to users how much information they want to share and says if there's doubt about whether you're in the search zone, you won't see the alerts.

How frequently will I see it?

The system is designed to be unique, with cases needing to meet a "very high bar" because if used too frequently, alerts become ineffective due to audience fatigue.

Facebook says the system will be used for children considered to be at the highest level of risk, where police know they have useful information to share with the public.

It will also be up to police to provide Facebook with the information quickly.

Who uses it already?

Facebook already pushes Amber alerts to users in 12 countries, with Jamaica and Luxembourg last month becoming the most recent countries to adopt it.