Skip to main content

New York is using an anti-terror app to keep its people safe

The world remains on high alert following devastating attacks in Mali, Paris, and Beirut, and as America’s busiest travel season draws nearer, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is introducing a new technological initiative he hopes will help keep his citizens safe. On Monday, Cuomo unveiled a new mobile app effort designed to bolster New York’s “ability to fight terrorism.” Called See Something, Send Something, the app encourages state residents to “report suspicious activity through a simple mobile app on their smartphone.”

According to the app’s description on the Apple App Store, See Something Send Something is “the pre-eminent nationwide suspicious activity reporting (SAR) tool for citizens to help in the fight against terrorism.” Not only does the app allow users to instantly send tips to law enforcement officials, but See Something, Send Something also attempts to educate its users on “what to look for and when to submit suspicious activity reports.”

Recommended Videos

“These new efforts are essential pieces in our fight against terrorism,” Cuomo said. “We have stepped up our preparedness in the aftermath of the Paris attacks, and we continue to remain vigilant against those who seek to spread fear and violence. Despite the tremendous pain and loss that terrorist attacks around the world have caused the people of this state, the family of New York stands stronger than ever before.”

See Something, Send Something is already used in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Louisiana, Colorado, and Virginia, but with New York’s position as one of the most populous states in the country and its all-too-familiar personal history with terrorism, the app’s implementation in the Big Apple may be its biggest test yet.

“It is important to remember that all New Yorkers have a role in keeping our state safe,” said state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John Melville.

Of course, it’s also important to note that such apps are easily abused — particularly in times of extreme tension, users have been known to send in “tips” that are based more upon their own prejudices than legitimate concerns. “When you ask for anonymous tips, you very well could get false information or information the person believes is true, but turns out not to be correct,” Cuomo admitted. As such, significant vetting will be needed in order to ensure that the information being passed along holds water, and doesn’t simply flood the system with racist comments.

Still, says State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico, this app allows for a more open line of communication. “If you see something that may be linked to terrorism, send something,” he urged. “Your tip could provide valuable information that could prevent a tragedy.”

Lulu Chang
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
Will my iPad get iPadOS 26? Here’s every supported model
We've got the full list of iPadOS 26 supported devices - find out if you're getting the new iPad update
iPadOS 26 home screen on an iPad

Apple announced iPadOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and the new iPad update comes with a fresh new look and plenty of features. Apple has ensured there are plenty of iPadOS 26 supported slates, so if you have a relatively new iPad you should get the update this year.

And no, you haven't missed a volley of updates since iPadOS 18 in 2024. Apple has skipped a bunch of numbers, so instead of giving us iPadOS 19 in 2025, we got iPadOS 26 alongside iOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26 and tvOS 26.

Read more
Will my Apple Watch get watchOS 26? Here’s every supported model
We've got the full list of watchOS 26 supported devices - find out if you're getting the new Apple Watch update
watchOS 26 on a trio of Apple Watches

Apple announced watchOS 26 at WWDC 2025, and the new Watch update comes with a fresh new look and plenty of features. Apple has ensured there are plenty of watchOS 26 supported devices, so if you have a relatively new Watch you should get the update this year.

And no, you haven't missed a volley of updates since watchOS 11 in 2024. Apple has skipped a bunch of numbers, so instead of giving us watchOS 12 in 2025, we got watchOS 26 alongside iOS 26, macOS 26, iPadOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26.

Read more
8 key things you need to know from Apple’s WWDC 2025 event
From a fresh look and updated names, to new features, more intelligence and live translation
iOS 26, iPadOS 26 and macOS 26 shown on devices.

The WWDC 2025 keynote ran for just over an hour and a half. For those of you who don't fancy sitting through the whole presentation, we've pulled out the key things you need to know from the latest Apple event.

1. Welcome to the 26 club

Read more