Facebook has revealed its plans to collaborate with child abduction alert system AMBER Alerts to use the social media channel to help locate missing children.

 

Announcing the news today, Facebook US revealed that it will send AMBER Alerts to users about children abducted in their area.

 

If the users are found to be in a search area designated by local law enforcement, those users will receive an alert to their mobile phone.

 

Information sent through the alert will include a photograph of the child as well as any other relevant details of the case.

 

AMBER Alerts were first introduced back in 1996, after the kidnap and abduction of nine-year-old Amber Hagerman. The alerts are distributed via radio, television and internet, and this will be the first time that the social media channel will be officially included as part of the system.

 

 

Speaking after the announcement, Facebook’s trust and safety manager Emily Vacher said that the information will only be sent to those who may be in a position to help the missing child.

 

“When people see this on Facebook we want them to know that this is a very rare occurrence,” said Vacher.

 

It’s good to see social media being used in a way that can promote safety and help the authorities.

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