No they won't.
Internet-linked computers will automatically switch on to a video message from the US Department of Homeland Security while downloading instructions prepared specifically from natural disasters, chemical and nuclear attacks, and other calamities.
Not unless the government FORCES each person connected to the Internet to install a server application to sit on a port and listen for messages from the government, and display them.
I know of no such application -- and I know of no way to coerce people into running one -- nor for that matter do I know of any way to get something like that to run on older, slower computers on MODEM (read: SLOW) connections.
This is pure BS. Probably some mid-level effendi spent a bit too much time with his PowerPoint and decided to make a nice nifty blue-sky presentation to impress his bosses, and justify his salary.
This ain't gonna happen. Not the computer part, at least. They can probably pester people with cell phones that can accept text messages. Ours can't -- whew! :)
Would the computer part be possible if the ISP's were to become involved?
Perhaps they could require a particular software application to be installed as part of their required connection software bundle. AOL is legendary for their hideous software requirements.....and AOL customers probably wouldn't even notice the addition of such an app.
I hadn't heard much screaming and gnashing of teeth from ISP's when the news about the Carnivore system came out some years ago....they went along with that like good little sheep.
Internet-linked computers will automatically switch on to a video message from the US Department of Homeland Security while downloading instructions prepared specifically from natural disasters, chemical and nuclear attacks, and other calamities.