Google has introduced Emergency Location Service (ELS) for Android smartphone users in India, aiming to improve response times during emergencies. The new feature automatically shares a caller’s precise location with emergency services such as police, fire, and medical teams when an emergency call or text is made.
The service activates when an Android user contacts emergency numbers like 112. Even if the call disconnects within seconds, the location details still reach emergency responders. ELS works by using a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular network data to determine accurate location information.
To enable the service, state governments must integrate ELS with their emergency response systems. Uttar Pradesh has become the first state to adopt the feature through its police department. Google has encouraged other states to follow suit to strengthen emergency response infrastructure across the country.
Google clarified that Android users do not need to install any additional apps or hardware to use ELS. The feature works automatically on devices running Android 6 and above. Importantly, the company also assured users that it does not collect or store the location data generated during emergency calls.
With Emergency Location Service, authorities expect faster identification of a caller’s location, which could save lives during critical situations.
