Guardian: EU asks tech firms to pitch refugee-tracking systems

“Border agency Frontex has asked for designs for smartphone apps and databases to track and manage refugees arriving in Europe […]
But some of the frontline organisations working with migrants questioned how such a system would work. Dr Maurice Stierl of WatchTheMed Alarm Phone, an organisation of activists that supports free movement of migrants, criticised the proposals. The organisation operates an emergency phone service for migrants whose boats get into trouble in various stretches of sea around Europe, contacting the nearest coastguards to alert them when they receive an SOS call. In the last 15 months they have received about 1,400 distress calls. “

External Link: Guardian: EU asks tech firms to pitch refugee-tracking systems

Alarmphone on X

Today, on 11 October 2026, Alarm Phone turns 12 years old.

Over this time, we have assisted more than 11.000 boats in distress at sea. We will not give up in our collective struggle against death at sea and the EU border regime. Freedom of movement for all!

🆘 ~51 people in distress in the Central Med!

We are in contact with a group fleeing from eastern Libya towards Sicily. They say they have run out of fuel and are drifting east of Malta now. Rescue and #SafePassages for all are needed now!

@HCoastGuard We have lost contact with the people in distress for over 30 hours but fear they are still at sea. We do not know of any rescue activity by either #Greece or #Egypt. Don't let these 37 people perish at sea! We call on the authorities to act without further delay!