Facebook, Amber Alert

Starting January 13, 2015 Facebook users can access a new Amber Alert feature that could be invaluable in locating lost and abducted children. Facebook has partnered with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children so that users in a specific area can get alerts whenever a child is missing, helping users keep an eye out for the child and allowing an online community neighborhood watch alert to keep users informed and help locate the children covered. According to the manager of the Security, Trust, and Safety department at Facebook, Emily Vacher, “Facebook … in essence in this situation, is the world’s largest neighborhood watch.” When an Amber Alert is issued by law enforcement an alert will be sent to users of the social media site in the relevant area.

The new Facebook Amber Alert feature could be very beneficial in locating children who are missing, abducted, or exploited in some way. Vacher discused the alerts, saying “It may include a picture of the child, a vehicle description, any information that the public would need to be able to help find the child. When people receive these alerts on their phones, we want them to know that this is very rare and they’re in a position to be able to help. We want them to look around and see what they can do to contribute to bringing a child home.” Users will be able to share the alert with friends and others on the social media site, extending the reach of the search. Hopefully it will be effective at locating the children who are featured.