Scoring the compliance of cell broadcast alert messages: Application in France and insights for authorities and future research

This article assesses the content and style of cell broadcast alert messages sent in France between June 2022 and December 2025. Using a compliance grid, it analyses 482 exercise and real alert messages to examine whether they included key elements such as the source, hazard, impacts, guidance, timing and location. The study compares how alerting authorities communicate during exercises and real events, and identifies differences by danger category and issuing department.

The conclusion is that many alert messages remain incomplete or unevenly structured, despite established evidence on what makes warnings effective. Exercise messages often followed clearer layouts, while real alerts more often included information on the event, affected areas and timing. The article highlights the need for stronger training, templates and feedback systems to help authorities issue clearer, more actionable alerts that support timely protective behavior.