All mobile phones in India will have an SOS button from March 2016

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By Larry Banks

In an attempt to address the security concerns of women, the Indian government has convinced mobile phone makers to install a special panic button in all mobile phones.

“It took us one year to finalise this initiative. We held several meetings with mobile companies and they have finally agreed to provide panic buttons in mobile phones”, said Maneka Gandhi, Union minister for Women and Child Development.

The final draft version of the mandatory regulations is set for an imminent release by government-owned Department of Telecommunication, and the “SOS” button will apparently become mandatory for new and old devices from March 2016.

The panic button is designed so that women in trouble can simply press the dedicated SOS key. The phone will then automatically send an alert to the nearest police station to provide assistance.

The Indian government has reportedly asked mobile phone companies to open a minimum of 10,000 outlets around the country to help users upgrade their devices with the enhanced panic button feature.

Furthermore, the Union Ministry for Women and Child Development has initiated a country-wide helpline to assist women in distress – the hotline will provide services such as police and legal help, medical, counselling and more.

It’s assumed that the majority of phones will simply add a new software-only panic button, that can be enabled via an over-the-air software update.

SOURCE: IBI Times India.

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