Google’s new safety feature:

In today’s world where a crisis can come to anyone without any prediction or announcement, it can be natural or man-made. Many applications are making their software more safety aware than before, just to reach out to more people in case of any need that might require worldwide or national level help. For example, we have seen that in recent earthquakes Facebook asked if you were ok or not.

Similarly, Google has started an SOS service added to Google Search and Google Maps. This feature is inspired by the concept of keeping people informed in the matter of any crisis. In such times the most important thing is that you should know what is going on around you. For evacuation or finding secure help centers, you need information and govt. phone lines and help centers are not always accessible.

Google has brought that information to its users in the languages of the affected areas and also in universal language English. This information will include:

•    Emergency websites and relevant phone numbers

•    Maps

•    Translations of important information

•    Information about donations

It is obvious that for this service to work effectively, Google will need to collaborate with governments for validation of information and sources of information.

How to use this feature?

To use this feature, you should have the latest version of Google app with location turned on. This way you will get a notification if you are near any crisis. If you search at that time, emergency information will follow.  Google map users will see an alert icon on the app, which will give you more relative information when opened.

Although Google does mention a flaw that you might not always get notifications, they are trying to broaden their spectrum. Google is very specific in their validation of the information they provide. They are very careful and responsible in defining their sources of information.

Handling of such features is difficult as we saw in the past people criticized the Facebook safety feature regarding marking themselves safe. People in different cities were asked for that despite their being far off of the crisis. So, Google should make more precise and region-oriented for its successful usage.

The Google SOS feature will also help you in getting information about how and where to make donations in crisis. If handled carefully, this feature can be a very useful one for people who are either themselves stuck in a crisis or have a dear one in such a situation.