Uruguay launches Amber Alert system for missing children

Uruguay has officially launched the Amber Alert system, a crucial tool designed to expedite the search for missing minors. This initiative aims to provide a swift response when children under 18 disappear or are absent under suspicious circumstances.

“

in the shortest possible time

The Amber Alert system involves disseminating an updated image of the missing child or adolescent, along with their physical characteristics and details about their last known location. Juan Alvez, Director General of Combating Organized Crime and Interpol, stated that the tool will help locate missing minors "in the shortest possible time." Activation requires the missing person to be under 18, with a presumption of criminal or violent activity in their absence, and consent from the primary guardian for data diffusion.

Uruguay's Ministry of the Interior reports approximately 3,000 annual reports of missing minors, many of whom are state wards who have left without authorization. President Yamandú Orsi clarified that while the system was initially promoted in 2024 by the previous government, final implementation details were only recently completed. He explained that the alert is triggered by suspicious absences, not every case, and involves a rapid risk assessment.

“

It is a mechanism that is triggered by absence, not any absence, but suspicious absence of minors.

In a significant technological partnership, Uruguay has collaborated with Meta to distribute alerts through Instagram, Facebook, and Messenger. These alerts will be sent to users located near the area of a reported disappearance. Emily Vacher, Meta's Director of Global Safety, celebrated Uruguay becoming the fifth South American country to join Meta's missing children alert program, emphasizing that receiving an alert means the user is close to the potential location and could be of assistance.

“

Something that is very important to know is that these alerts will be very infrequent. We hope never to have to use them, but in case you receive an Amber Alert it means you are close to the place where they can be found and that you can be of help.