Since AMBER Alerts on Facebook were launched locally with the Australian Federal Police in 2017, everyday heroes across the world have found missing children in their communities after seeing targeted Facebook notifications.
Now with recent recognition of Global Missing Children’s Day, Meta is bringing AMBER Alerts to Instagram for the first time ever, in over 25 countries including Australia. This feature was developed in partnership with organisations across the globe and locally.
This extension of the service means that alerts will now show up on a visual-first platform and reach more teens themselves with the alerts than ever before.
Similar to Facebook, alerts will be shown to people who are most likely in a position to help – specifically those within the designated search area. The alert will also include important details about the missing child such as a photo, description, location of the abduction and any other available information.
By sharing the alerts with friends across Meta platforms, people can further spread the word and help alert the wider local community.
