Google’s Android Earthquake Alerts System set an example of a large technical failure during the devastating earthquake in Turkey in February 2023. In this 7.8 magnitud earthquake, more than 55,000 people died and millions were injured and now it has become the biggest issue of debate in the world as to why Google has not shown millions of users life-saving emergency alert? Long after the accident, the company first admitted that their system failed at that time and it had a direct impact on the safety of the people.
BBC’s Report It is said that according to Google, about 1 crore people were in the area who should have got ‘take action’ i.e. emergency alert, so that they could save their lives by being alert 35 seconds ago. But in reality, this “Quick” alert was reached to only 469 users, the remaining about 5 lakh people only got “Be Aware” alert, which neither makes a loud noise, nor overroded DND nor could he wake up from sleep. The earthquake came at 4:17 am when people were sleeping, that is, the mistake in the activation proved to be serious.
The algorithm of Google allegedly detected only 4.5–4.9 magnituded instead of 7.8, so the emergency alert did not take place. The Local Authority questioned this and the company is also being criticized in digital media.
The first Google defended the system performance, but after the end-user review, the company made a mistake and said that their algorithm proved to be “weak”. Now, Google has released the update, in which algorithm has been changed and claimed that all users will now reach alert properly in the new tests. In the latest test, the system sent 1 crore “take action” alert and 6.7 crore “Be Aware” alert.
Nevertheless, experts say that the responsibility of emergency alert is only risky to leave private companies, the strong system of the National Authority is necessary.
The AEA system is now active in 98 countries and Google claims that it has been improved on the basis of a teaching of Turkey earthquake.
Why did Google’s alert system fail in Turkey Earthquake?
Google’s algorithm incorrectly evaluated the intensity of the earthquake (4.5–4.9), while the real magnitude was 7.8, so the necessary “take action” alerts did not trigger.
How many people got emergency alert?
Only 469 users received a quick “take action” alert, while more than 1 crore people should have got.
What did the rest of the users get?
About 5 lakh users received a light “Be Aware” alert, which was not a loud voice or emergency notification.
When did Google accept her mistake?
After the incident, after media reports and expert criticism, Google admitted that there was limited in algorithm and the system was unsuccessful.
Is the system recover now?
Google claims that algorithm has now been updated, it will be able to send the right alerts further, but trust will still remain completely on the government warning system.
Can such a mistake happen again?
Both Google and Experts believe that it is only risky to depend on the tech system, the National Authority is also required to create a strong alert system.
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