The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States recently announced a regulation in the Federal Register requiring the expansion of language support for mobile phone emergency alert systems. In the future, 13 non-English languages, including Traditional and Simplified Chinese, will be included. The aim of this initiative is to enable more non-English speakers to receive and understand critical safety information promptly during emergencies and natural disasters.
Wireless Emergency Alerts are real-time alert messages sent to the public’s mobile phones by U.S. government agencies through telecommunication companies. The content covers extreme weather, natural disasters, missing persons reports, and other public safety threats. The system has long been considered one of the most important public warning tools in the United States but has primarily been available in English, with Spanish language support gradually added in recent years.
According to the FCC’s newly announced “Multilingual Alert Order,” telecommunication companies are required to complete system updates by June 12, 2028, to support Traditional and Simplified Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and simultaneously provide American Sign Language alerts.
This policy, which has been advocated for many years, has now been officially implemented. New York State Attorney General Letitia James, along with several state attorneys general and public advocacy groups, had been continuously emphasizing the necessity of multilingual alerts to the federal government. In November 2025, they led a joint letter from multiple states to the FCC, urging the expedited implementation of relevant provisions.
The New York State Attorney General’s Office pointed out that the new regulation is estimated to benefit approximately 1.3 million residents in the state with limited English and Spanish proficiency, including a significant number of Chinese residents. This will enable them to understand official alert content promptly and take actions during disasters or emergencies, further enhancing public safety and response efficiency.