Google disabled its Android earthquake detection feature in Brazil due to false alerts of a nonexistent earthquake affecting users in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The company is investigating the incident while the Civil Defense of São Paulo confirmed there were no registered seismic activities. The system, which was launched in 2020, aimed to provide accurate alerts but has faced credibility issues following this episode.
Google has temporarily disabled its Android earthquake detection feature in Brazil following a series of false alarms that affected smartphone users in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Reports indicate that users received emergency alerts concerning a nonexistent 5.5 magnitude earthquake early on Friday, pinpointed to locations in Ubatuba and Baixada Santista at approximately 2 AM.
The company is currently investigating the situation, which prompted notifications to devices without any underlying seismic activity. Ed Fernandez, a spokesperson for Google, highlighted the company’s commitment to resolving these issues as it actively assesses the cause of the alerts.
For context, Google’s earthquake detection system, which utilizes accelerometers in Android devices as a makeshift seismometer, was launched in California in 2020 and has since been expanded to various countries.
The Civil Defense of São Paulo clarified that they did not issue any earthquake alerts, indicating there were no recorded seismic events corresponding to the notifications sent to residents. As authorities and Google collaborate on this matter, it is essential to ensure accurate emergency notifications in the future.
In summary, Google has halted its Android earthquake detection feature in Brazil after false alarms claiming a significant earthquake were issued. This incident highlights the critical need for reliable emergency alert systems, as verified by the Civil Defense of São Paulo, which confirmed no actual earthquake occurred. Google is investigating the error to prevent future occurrences and maintain user trust in its safety features.
Original Source: www.theverge.com
