New York To Tap Gaming Console Networks For Emergency Alerts

[Are_grits_groceries]

<snip>
In addition, getting the word out quickly, in the event of an emergency, is obviously a critical component of protecting people from any threat of the natural kind or otherwise. In that regard, the city's Chief Information Officer is looking at new, innovative ways of reaching the widest swath of New York's huge population as quickly as possible. In fact, he's looking to tap into pre-existing communication networks beyond the city's traditional TV and radio audience, in an effort to expand that reach.

Under New York's new "Empire 2.0" initiative, Deputy CIO, Rico Singleton is targeting developement of an alert system that will connect to various game console networks like Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and Wii Connect. "The goal, said New York State Deputy CIO Rico Singleton, is to reach younger residents who spend more time on the Xbox, PlayStation, or Wii than with television or radio. "
<snip>
Also, apparently New York is keen on taking advantage of social networks to protect its citizens with New York's Department of Health monitoring Facebook posts to help identify suicidal behavior, along with the CIO's office providing tweets on new technology efforts in the state. Singleton is quoted as saying "Web 2.0 "is the world we're beginning to live in... we should be part of the movement."

Rapture Alert
http://hothardware.com/News/New-Yorks-Deputy-CIO-Looks-To-Game-Consoles-For-New-Emergency-Alert-System/

Seriously, they are going to do what?? And they are monitoring FB for 'suicidal behavior?'

Uh Huh... This may not end well.

[wuvuj]

1. Big brother/big nanny will get it's nose into everything?

...till they get it bruised?

[FormerDittoHead]

2. Bunch of P/R feel good crap.

Last week, a 15 year old girl killed a 9 year old. Before she did, she left a bunch of disturbing posts on MyTwitFace/whatever.

So Singleton wants to sound like they're going to do something that would prevent it.

But in a country where we're stretched thin as it, public service / Dept of Health people don't have the time to take care of their existing cases, let alone surf the social networks.

I call BS. Singleton is doing exactly what the headline said - LOOKING INTO IT, and that will be that.