A new step has come from Google regarding the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine. The tech giant has announced that it will begin sending airstrike alerts for Android users in Ukraine before attacks that are expected to explode nearby.
At the request and assistance of the Ukrainian government, Google has launched the emergency Air Raid Alerts system for Android phones in Ukraine. Notifications to Android users will reference the alerts currently being shared by the Ukrainian government.
Google will protect Ukrainians with air raid warning
Google Head of Global Affairs Kent Walker said that this work is complementary to Ukraine’s existing air raid warning systems and that the warnings to be shared are “based on the Ukrainian government”. Walker also stated that millions of people in Ukraine should heed the air raid warnings as a safety precaution.
Google had already featured the Ukraine Alert app on the Play Store, which has been sending airstrike notifications to Ukrainians since the day the attacks started. Dave Burke, Vice President of Engineering for Android, stated that the new alert system will be rolled out to all Android phones in Ukraine in the coming days.
In addition to Air Raid Alerts, Google said it is developing ways for businesses to flag if they are providing specialized services to refugees to help with the growing number of refugees in the region. Hotel owners in Ukraine’s neighboring countries will be able to post to their business profiles in Search and Maps to offer a variety of services and assistance to refugees from Ukraine.
“From today, hotel owners in countries neighboring Ukraine will be able to indicate in their business profile whether they are offering free or discounted accommodation for refugees. As we compile this information in the coming weeks, we’ll make it possible for people to quickly find these places in Search and Maps.”
The US technology giant has also imposed heavy sanctions on Russia since its invasion of Ukraine. Pausing all ad sales in the country, Google also removed Russia’s state-funded media applications, especially Sputnik and RT, from Google Play.
What do you think about the air raid warning system offered by Google? We welcome you to share your views with our other readers in the comments and SDN Forum section.
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