The system was presented on 26 May during a joint press conference by the Minister of Interior Constantinos Ioannou and the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou, in the presence of the Deputy Commander of Civil Defence Theodoros Lemoniatis.
How CY‑Alert works
CY‑Alert is based on Cell Broadcast technology and allows the sending of real‑time alerts to all mobile devices located within a specific geographic area, without requiring an internet connection or the installation of an application.
According to what was stated, the alerts will be sent regardless of mobile network provider or country of origin of the SIM card, while they will override even the silent or mute mode of the device, accompanied by a characteristic sound signal and strong vibration.
No collection of personal data
As clarified, the system operates without collecting or storing personal data or device information, with the only requirement for receiving alerts being that the mobile phone is updated to the latest available version of Android or iOS software.
Messages will be sent by Civil Defence through the networks of licensed mobile telephony providers and will include information about the danger or emergency situation, as well as instructions for protection or evacuation from affected areas.
“An important tool for the readiness of the State”
The Minister of Interior Constantinos Ioannou stated that CY‑Alert enhances the readiness of the state and upgrades the level of protection of citizens in emergency situations, noting that immediate information can play a decisive role in protecting human lives and property.
“This tool that we now have at our disposal strengthens trust between the State and the citizen, reinforces the sense of safety and preparedness and ensures that citizens will have immediate access to reliable information at the moment they need it most,” he said.
For his part, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou stressed that the government’s goal is the immediate and reliable management of crises through the use of technology, explaining that Cell Broadcast technology enables signals to be sent directly from mobile network antennas to all devices within the selected area, without being affected by network congestion.
Test alerts and information line
During the first three weeks of the system’s operation, test exercises will be carried out in real conditions, with citizens possibly receiving test alerts in Greek and English. The test alerts will be conducted in coordination with local authorities in order to avoid causing public alarm.
