It looks like we finally know what the US Department of Homeland Security plans to use instead of the now infamous color-coded terrorism alert system. According to a draft document obtained by the Associated Press, the department’s new system will simply have two levels of alerts — “elevated” and “imminent” — and it seems those warnings will even be published online using Facebook and Twitter “when appropriate.” There’s no word as to exactly how those alerts will be published, however, or any indication that the two companies have actually committed to aiding the department in any way, for that matter. We should know more soon enough, though — the new system is expected to be in place by April 27th.

US Homeland Security Department planning to use Facebook, Twitter for terrorism alerts originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 12:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink The Globe and Mail  |  Associated Press  | Email this | Comments

Before we start, grab your phone and your computer and hit this link : Android apps by jakeey, wallpaper.  If you have any of these applications on your Android phone, uninstall them.

We’ll wait.

Now you ask why did we recommend (nay, demand!) you uninstall any of those apps?  Lookout says that one or more of these apps are stealing your data and sending it to an unknown person or persons in China.  Yup, innocent looking wallpaper apps.  According to Lookout, the app(s) in question are collecting:

• browsing history
• text messages
• your SIM card data
• subscriber ID
• voicemail password

Look for Google to pull these soon, as they potentially affect at least 1.1 million users, but for now remember to read what an app can do when you install it. That’s that screen you ignore every time you install an app. The one that tells you what system permissions the app has access to. If, say, a calculator wants to see your contacts list, think twice.

It’s worth reminding that Android is the only OS that gives you these sort of warnings. And before any Apple fanatics get too cocky, at least these apps aren’t stealing money from your Google checkout account.  We’re keeping a close eye on this one, you’ll hear more as it unfolds.  [Mobile Beat via 9 to 5 Mac]

Posted originally at Android Central

Sponsored by Android Cases and Accessories