UK Police Raise Alarm as Android Emergency SOS Feature Triggers Surge in Unnecessary Emergency Calls

UK police have issued a warning regarding the Emergency SOS feature available on Android devices, which has resulted in a sharp increase in unnecessary emergency calls.

The feature, introduced with Android 12, allows users to call emergency services by quickly tapping the power button five times.

However, this convenience has led to unintended consequences, prompting authorities to take action.

UK Raises Alarm Over False Emergency Calls

According to the BBC, the council has expressed concern over the rising number of unnecessary emergency calls, contributing to record-high 999 calls.

The council stated, "There are a few reasons for this, but one we think is having a significant impact is an update to Android smartphones."

Notably, leading Android manufacturers such as Samsung, Google, and Xiaomi have this emergency feature enabled by default on their devices. When activated, the component includes a short countdown and a loud chime before initiating the call.

Why Unnecessary Emergency Calls Are Cause for Concern

Misuse of emergency services through unnecessary calls and false alarms has significant consequences.

Diverting limited resources away from genuine emergencies hinders response times and endangers lives. False alarms are costly and disrupt both emergency responders and the public.

Additionally, overloading the system with unnecessary calls increases wait times and hampers communication for those in need.

Importantly, making false or prank emergency calls is illegal and can result in serious legal consequences.

The Increasing Problem of Inadvertent Emergency Calls

The issue of inadvertent emergency calls caused by the Emergency SOS feature is not limited to the UK.

Earlier this year, Canadian authorities issued a similar warning about the feature. Meanwhile, a sheriff's department in Minnesota advised users to disable it. Furthermore, Europe's emergency number association verified that this Android function raised call volumes for several members.

In response to the concerns raised, AndroidAuthority reports that a Google spokesperson stated that the company would provide guidance and resources to manufacturers to address the issue.

Leave the Power Button Alone

AndroidAuthority notes that the Emergency SOS feature must either be disabled by default or require additional safeguards during activation.

The repeated accidental activation of the power button leading to emergency calls highlights the need for OEMs to reconsider the design and placement of such features, as they can inadvertently cause disruptions and strain emergency services.

Police forces in the UK have experienced the consequences of this feature firsthand, with the Devon and Cornwall Police revealing that silent calls take up valuable time and effort, lasting approximately 20 minutes per call.

Devon and Cornwall Police advised individuals who accidentally dialed 999 to remain on the line and inform the operator of their mistake, emphasizing the importance of not hanging up immediately after dialing in error.

While the Emergency SOS feature was introduced with Android 12 in 2021, numerous users have reported experiencing issues following the update to Android 13.

Manufacturers have guided turning off the feature through their websites, with most devices allowing users to turn off the emergency SOS call option within the settings menu.

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