California's Quake App Marks a Milestone but Highlights Digital Divides

When a 5.2 magnitude earthquake rattled San Diego County last week, nearly 700,000 Californians received a heads-up from their phones before the ground shook. The MyShake app, a cornerstone of California’s Earthquake Early Warning System, delivered alerts to users, some with as much as 35 seconds to brace or take cover. This event, paired with the app surpassing 4 million downloads, marks a significant step in the state’s push to bolster resilience against seismic risks.

Launched in 2019, MyShake uses a network of over 1,000 seismic sensors to detect quakes and issue real-time warnings. The system, a collaboration between state agencies, UC Berkeley, and the U.S. Geological Survey, integrates with smartphone operating systems and traditional Wireless Emergency Alerts to reach a broad audience. With over 10% of Californians now using the app, its growth reflects growing public engagement with disaster preparedness technology.

Yet, the milestone also sparks questions about access, trust, and the role of government in deploying such systems. While the app’s reach is impressive, not all communities are equally equipped to benefit, and debates persist over funding and the balance between public and private responsibility in disaster management.

MyShake operates by analyzing data from ground motion sensors strategically placed across California. When an earthquake is detected, the system calculates its magnitude and estimated shaking intensity, sending alerts to users in affected areas. For the San Diego quake, 7.5 million alerts went out across various platforms, with MyShake alone notifying nearly 700,000 users. Some received enough warning to drop, cover, and hold on, potentially preventing injuries.

The app’s features extend beyond alerts. Available in six languages, including Spanish, Tagalog, and Korean, it offers preparedness tips and a Homebase feature that ensures warnings reach users even if location services are off. Since its launch, MyShake has sent over 5 million alerts for nearly 170 quakes, contributing to both public safety and scientific research by collecting anonymized sensor data from smartphones.

The system’s impact is tangible. Businesses can pause operations, hospitals can secure equipment, and individuals can find safety. After the recent quake, over 27,000 new downloads signaled heightened public interest. But the technology’s success depends on widespread adoption and trust, areas where challenges remain.

Despite MyShake’s achievements, equitable access to disaster technology is a pressing concern. Not all Californians have smartphones, reliable internet, or the digital literacy needed to navigate apps like MyShake. Low-income, rural, and minority communities often face barriers to accessing real-time alerts, a gap that mirrors broader disparities in disaster preparedness.

State and federal efforts aim to close these divides. MyShake’s multilingual support and integration with Wireless Emergency Alerts, which reach basic cell phones, are steps toward inclusivity. The California Office of Emergency Services also promotes a comprehensive Earthquake Readiness Guide, available in multiple formats, to ensure broader reach. Community-led outreach and partnerships with local organizations further aim to deliver culturally responsive preparedness resources.

Still, gaps persist. Advocates for equitable disaster planning argue that more investment is needed in offline communication methods and accessible technologies for people with disabilities. Without these, advanced systems risk leaving vulnerable populations behind, a concern that resonates in a state as diverse as California.

Building and maintaining an earthquake early warning system is costly. California has invested over $17 million in 2023-24 for MyShake and related infrastructure, while federal funding for the broader ShakeAlert system, which includes California, Oregon, and Washington, reached $32.6 million in 2024. These funds support sensor installation, system upgrades, and public outreach, but securing consistent appropriations remains a challenge.

Some policymakers emphasize the need for sustained government investment to ensure system reliability and expansion. They point to bipartisan support for ShakeAlert and public demand, with 94% of Californians favoring early warning systems. Others, wary of expanding government programs, advocate for greater private sector involvement or cost-sharing with states, arguing that local governments and individuals should bear more responsibility for preparedness.

These debates reflect broader tensions over the role of government in public safety. While MyShake’s success showcases effective public-private collaboration, its long-term viability hinges on balancing funding priorities with the need for equitable, reliable service across diverse communities.

For MyShake to save lives, users must trust its alerts and act on them. A 2024 study found that 17.5% of U.S. adults have opted out of emergency alerts due to fatigue or perceived irrelevance. False alarms or unclear messages can erode confidence, while accurate, timely warnings build it. MyShake’s track record, including its performance in recent quakes, has bolstered its credibility, but maintaining trust requires ongoing effort.

Nationwide tests, public education campaigns, and customizable alert settings help address these challenges. California’s efforts to promote MyShake through schools, workplaces, and community groups aim to familiarize residents with the system. Transparent communication about the technology’s limits, such as its inability to predict quakes or guarantee warnings for every event, also fosters realistic expectations.

California’s Earthquake Early Warning System, with MyShake at its core, represents a leap forward in disaster preparedness. Its ability to deliver seconds of warning can mean the difference between safety and harm, and its growing adoption signals a public eager for proactive solutions. Yet, the system’s success depends on addressing inequities, securing stable funding, and sustaining public trust in an era of rapid technological change.

As seismic risks persist, California’s experience offers lessons for other regions. The challenge lies in ensuring that life-saving technology reaches everyone, from urban centers to remote communities, while navigating the complex interplay of policy, funding, and public engagement. For now, each download of MyShake is a step toward a more resilient future.