The Google Pixel phone accidentally sent a person's intimate photos to their friends via emergency SOS.
The emergency assistance system on Pixel phones has the ability to record videos and share them with friends and family. However, you can also choose to disable it if you prefer.
Google Pixel phones come with an emergency SOS feature that allows users to call urgent response services and notify friends or family. This tool includes a video recording option that captures the surroundings and shares the material with designated contacts as part of the emergency procedure. However, it is advised to activate this feature with caution, as accidental activation can lead to embarrassing situations.
A recent incident revealed how this can go wrong. A Reddit user shared their experience where the system was accidentally activated while trying to silence a morning alarm by pressing the power button multiple times, triggering the emergency alert. This caused their phone to send photos and videos of them naked to several friends, who reacted with concern for their well-being, though more surprised by receiving such images.
On Pixel phones, pressing the power button five times or more activates the emergency system, which initiates a timer before automatically calling emergency services. If the emergency sharing feature is enabled, designated contacts will also be notified. This video recording can occur even while interacting with emergency services, allowing the user to share their location and status in real time.
The video can last up to 45 minutes, and once uploaded, a download link is generated that is shared with all emergency contacts. This link can be disabled at any time, and it will automatically be deleted if accessed more than 120 times, according to Google’s policies.
The video sharing feature is especially useful for people with medical conditions or those who travel frequently, allowing them to justify their situation in case of need. However, in this case, the accidental activation did not provide the expected help. The user humorously reflected on their experience, noting that they had provided unexpected entertainment to their friends.
Such incidents are not unique, as other users have also reported accidental emergency alert activations during intimate moments, even in the Apple ecosystem, where similar cases have occurred with the Apple Watch. Emergency responders have recommended that those who accidentally call maintain the line open to explain the situation instead of hanging up.
