Why the Emergency Dialer on Android Lockscreen Misses Out on a Global Standard in India

Android's emergency dialer on the lockscreen is mini! It only includes 911, yet many users in India still rely on the number 100 for emergencies. This oversight creates an inconvenience for Indian users and raises significant questions about why this important feature is not standardized across regions.

The Flaw in Android's Emergency Dialer

Imagine a scenario where you or someone you know is in a critical situation. You quickly unlock your Android device with the emergency dialer but may find that 100 is not listed. This can be problematic because many Indians, especially those unfamiliar with 112, will instinctively try to call 100 for help. However, due to the 911-only emergency dialer, they won't be able to get through to the correct authorities.

While the number 100 has become deeply ingrained in the Indian psyche as an emergency number (much like 911 in the U.S.), this cannot be a permanent solution. The global standard is 112, and most of the world relies on this number in emergencies. This inconsistency between local preferences and international standards presents a significant challenge for mobile users.

Why 911 and Not 100 or 112?

The discrepancy between 911 in the U.S. and 100 in India could be attributed to several factors:

Standardization: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) promotes 112 as the global standard. However, local authorities may choose to retain national emergency numbers like 100 for ease of use and familiarity to their populace. Scientific and Logical Reasoning: Many people may argue that 112 is more logical because 11 and 2 are easy to remember, but this doesn't explain the exclusion of 100. Marketing and Advocacy: Some countries like the United States have effectively marketed 911, making it a well-known emergency number. Countries that haven't yet adopted 112 as the standard might be at a disadvantage in this regard.

Is Change Possible?

The inability to dial 100 on the emergency dialer in Android raises the question of whether mobile companies can and should be held responsible for inaccessibility issues in emergency situations. This can become a significant liability if someone dies due to the inability to make a call.

Interestingly, there is another emergency number, 112, that functions differently in India. When dialed, 112 will route the call to the local police station, which is a more local and responsive emergency response compared to the national 100 number.

What Can Be Done?

Making the emergency dialer more inclusive and standardized is crucial for ensuring that users in different regions can quickly access the correct emergency services. Here are a few suggestions:

Incorporate Multi-Number Option: Android could consider adding a feature where users can customize their emergency numbers, allowing 100 or 112 alongside 911. This would make the emergency dialer more useful and relevant for a wider audience. Education Campaign: Mobile companies could run campaigns to educate users about the importance of the 112 standard and the benefits of adopting it. APIs for Developers: Developers could create apps that automatically detect the user's location and dial the appropriate emergency number. This would use the power of technology to bridge the gap between local and standardized emergency numbers.

In conclusion, while the emergency dialer on Android lockscreen only includes 911, this needs to be addressed to ensure that all users in different regions can access emergency services quickly and efficiently. Whether it's 100, 112, or 911, the key is to standardize and provide users with the best possible tools to respond to emergencies.

Why the Number 100 is Not in the Emergency Numbers List in Smartphones Purchased in India

The absence of 100 in the emergency numbers list on smartphones in India can partly be attributed to the global standardization efforts of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The ITU has promoted 112 as a universal emergency number, and many countries, including India, have started to adopt this standard. However, 100 remains a widely recognized emergency number in India due to its long-standing usage and familiarity among the population.

While 100 is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, it is important to note that countries can customize their emergency numbers based on their needs and local conventions. In India, 100 is primarily used for police emergencies, while 112 can be used for various types of emergencies, including medical and fire.

Is It Possible to Change the Emergency Number Depending on a Country?

Yes, it is indeed possible to change the emergency number depending on the country. This flexibility allows for national emergency services to tailor their response to the specific needs and practices of their citizens. For instance, while 100 is a common police emergency number in India, other countries may use different numbers for different types of emergencies.

Moreover, this flexibility can be further customized by mobile providers and local authorities. They can provide multiple emergency numbers in the emergency dialer for users, allowing them to dial the appropriate number based on the type of emergency they are facing.

Conclusion

The emergency dialer on Android lockscreen should reflect the global standard of 112, but acknowledging the cultural significance of regional emergency numbers like 100 in India can help create a more inclusive and user-friendly solution. While 100 is not included, the inclusion of 112 can provide users with a more reliable and consistent emergency response system.