The competing app is e-mail. You can subscribe to important information by e-mail and send out important information to mailing lists.

> This needs to be regulated somehow.

Of course, this is HN so regulation is always the solution to all problems. Instead of making the people who are responsible for doing stuff and are getting paid for it get off their asses. They can easily post updates on government alert websites, on e-mail lists, and on social media and everywhere else to get the attention of the public.