In a significant move to bolster emergency response, Google has officially activated its Emergency Location Service (ELS) for Android devices in India for the first time. This feature, now live in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Police, is designed to provide more precise location data of individuals calling the 112 emergency helpline from their Android phones.
How Google's ELS Enhances Emergency Response
Announced via a Google blog post on Tuesday, December 23, the ELS is a built-in, free feature on Android that activates automatically when a user dials 112 or any emergency number. It requires no separate app installation or hardware. The service leverages an AI/ML system called Android Fused Location Provider to gather data from GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks, achieving a location accuracy of within 50 metres.
This technology is crucial in overcoming challenges like weak network connectivity, ensuring that first responders receive critical location information even if a call drops seconds after connecting. Google emphasized that during pilot testing over several months on Android devices (version 6 and up) in Uttar Pradesh, ELS successfully supported over 20 million calls and SMS messages.
Privacy and Implementation in Uttar Pradesh
Google has stressed its commitment to user privacy. The precise location data is sent directly from the caller's handset only to emergency services during an active emergency call. Google does not collect or share this data with anyone else. The rollout in Uttar Pradesh was facilitated with the assistance of Pert Telecom Solutions.
The integrated system allows the UP112 command infrastructure and Pertsol's routing intelligence to view caller coordinates instantly, enabling them to dispatch police, medical, or fire services within seconds. "We hope other states across India similarly explore the potential of this technology to further strengthen the life-saving interventions of their local emergency services," Google stated.
Global Reach and Future Potential
Google's ELS is already operational in more than 60 countries worldwide and is capable of supporting millions of daily emergency communications. Its successful debut in India, starting with Uttar Pradesh, marks a pivotal step in leveraging technology for public safety. The service promises to significantly reduce emergency response times, potentially saving countless lives across the state and setting a precedent for nationwide adoption.
