The Red Cross has appealed to Italian victims of a recent 5.5 magnitude earthquake to disable their Wi-Fi passwords to aid relief efforts.
Early on Wednesday morning, a 5.5 magnitude earquake erupted through central Italy, tragically killing 120 people and trapping an as-yet undetermined number underneath rubble. Now, the Red Cross has appealed to victims in the area to disable their Wi-Fi passwords to help co-ordinate relief efforts.
The request comes amidst the fact that in the aftermath of a national disaster, phone lines often become clogged and leave relatives and friends unable to check up on their loved ones.
Read: Drones set to deliver blood, rabies vaccines to Rwanda
Wi-Fi and VOIP, however, enables people to connect with one another independently from a landline connection. Thus, the Red Cross has appealed for Italian residents to disable their Wi-Fi passwords to enable victims and their families and friends to establish contact with one another.
Lazio Region and the Italian Red Cross have used unsecured Wi-Fi networks to create mobile communication through WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Skype, Endgadget reports.
The request isn’t without risk; an open Wi-Fi connection could potentially expose one’s personal data to malicious parties. However, the request – issued in good faith – is only for Italian citizens to remove their Wi-Fi passwords on a temporary basis.
The temporary risk could go a long way to helping injured victims connect with concerned friends and family, or inform next-of-kin in the event the worst has come to pass.
While the earthquake and its effects are undoubtedly tragic, there remains the positive message that the power of the internet and technology can be used to help those in need.
Read: Apple teaming up with various apps for AIDS Day charity
What are your thoughts? How could Wi-Fi services be best used in the event of an emergency? Let us know your opinion in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
