Google has activated its Emergency Location Service in Android devices in India for the first time, starting with Uttar Pradesh. The feature provides enhanced location data to emergency services during calls or SMS, aiding faster response times.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, ELS uses GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks for accuracy, often within 50 meters. It also sends device language information. The Google Blog reported the rollout in Uttar Pradesh, integrated by the state police and Pert Telecom Solutions Pvt Ltd for the 112 emergency service.
During a pilot, ELS supported over 20 million calls and SMS, locating callers even in dropped calls. The service activates only during emergency contacts and shares location directly with providers, not Google.
Google stated privacy is prioritized, with no data collection by the company. The feature is free on Android 6.0 and above, requiring no apps. It operates in over 60 countries and aims to expand across India.
The Chenab Times News Desk