Homeland Security Terror Warnings Coming to Facebook and Twitter

@CharlieSheen: #winning, @50cent: #swag, @HomelandSecurity: The United States is under attack, #run

The Associated Press released information about Homeland Security’s new plan for informing Americans about potential terror risks. Finally the kindergarden color-coded alert system will be scrapped, replaced by only two warnings: “elevated” and “imminent.” Depending on the severity of the threat, Homeland Security will take to its Twitter and Facebook accounts to warn Americans, increasing awareness through social media.

It’s no surprise that the internet-savvy Obama Administration would use social networking sites to increase terror awareness. This new system aims to be more specific and easier to read than the previous color-coded chart that left most feeling more confused than warned. Now, an “elevated” alert would warn tweeters of a likely threat but would leave out specific information regarding time and place, while “imminent” would warn Americans of a likely specific threat or ongoing attack. Both warnings are intended to share as much information as possible without further putting Americans in danger.

Before arriving on your tweetdeck or newsfeed the warnings will go through a step-by-step process to ensure the government isn’t revealing too much information to the public. First members of Congress will be notified, then terrorism officials in every state. Next mayors and governors will learn about the threats, and last but not least, the public will be warned, allowing for mass retweets, reblogs, and “likes” on major social networks. Nothing says post-modern meta-ism than having your last gesture on earth be “liking” a news post about your city being under attack.

Though not yet finalized, the new alert system is scheduled to go into effect as soon as April 27th. Like a carton of milk or loaf of bread, each threat will come equipped with an expiration date so now you know how long you should hide out in your fallout shelter.

This new system is obviously better than basing threat on color, but still Americans are left with questions, uncertainties, and not enough or too much information. With the ability to retweet and spread information with the click of a button enemies can quickly learn we are onto them. Though this new system seems promising I’m just left with the question of how long it will take before @NTASAlerts is hacked, warning Americans of a possible Alien Invasion.