France rolls out terror warning app ahead of Euro 2016 kickoff
Amid concern over possible terrorist attacks during the upcoming Euro 2016 football tournament, the French authorities have released a smartphone app that warns users of imminent terror threats. Use of the Population Alert and Information System, or Système d'alerte et d'information des populations (SAIP), is contingent on the approval of the user to disclose his or her location using the smartphone's GPS system. The app provides instructions on how to act in an emergency situation in general, and where to escape in case of a terrorist attack based on the exact location of the user. The app can be downloaded for free using phones running iPhone or Android operating systems. About 2.5 million fans, including 1.5 million tourists, are expected to watch the matches at stadiums and open-air viewing areas across the country. The tournament starts on Friday and ends a month later after the Tour de France.