On February 6, 2023, in the southeast of Türkiye, Google’s Android earthquake warning system could not fulfill the expected function. The company acknowledged that the system miscarried the intensity of the system and that critical warnings could not be sent to approximately 10 million people. However, those living in this region were at a distance to get an early warning up to 35 seconds. The Google warning system was working, but the system perceived the earthquake slightly.
Google’s “Movement Salıt ğı alert, high intensity jolt is detected when the phone is starting the sound alarm on the phone. This warning completely covers the screen, even overcoming the “don’t disturb” mode and attracts the user’s attention. However, in the first major earthquake in Türkiye, the notification at this level was sent to only 469 people. However, millions of people in the region could potentially get rid of such a warning.
Google algorithm underestimated the big concussion
Instead of 7.8, the system detected only 4.5 to 4.9, and distributed notifications of “be careful” at a slight level instead of serious warnings. This type of warning is given only for light jolts and appears quietly on the phone screen. Despite everything, even this low -level notification was able to reach only 500,000 devices. Since the seriousness of the warning was missing, many people were not informed before the earthquake.
Since the earthquake took place at 04:17, it was vital that the alarm that gave serious warning was active. Because at that time, people were asleep and it was impossible for them to wake up with silent notifications. The system failed at the most critical moment and the results were heavy. Although Google has previously described the performance of the warning system as “successful ,, the situation has shown otherwise.
After the earthquake, the BBC tried to meet with users who received warning, but could not reach anyone who received a serious alarm. Despite the days of the field studies and dozens of interviews, a user who received the “move to move” warning could not be found. This revealed the weakness of the system. Google announced that it updated its algorithms after the analysis.
The company re -operated the simulation of the system after the earthquake, and this time serious warnings were sent to 10 million devices and a slight warning was sent to 67 million devices. So if the algorithm had worked correctly, the warning could have reached a much wider area. This proved that the system was largely unsuccessful due to technical inadequacy. In addition to all these, this correction was made two years later.
Elizabeth Redy from Colorado School of Mines reacted harshly to the delay and said that in such a big incident, it should be more transparent. According to him, the performance data of such systems should be presented to the public and quickly. Other scientists who speak to the BBC also think that the system is opened for use without adequately tested. This reveals what it can lead to much trust in technology.
Although Google emphasizes that the system does not replace the national early warning systems, the Android Earthquake Early Warning System in some countries is the only warning source. Therefore, the capacity and accuracy of the system are of great importance. On the other hand, some countries rely on Google, rather than establishing their own infrastructure, has serious risks. Science circles agree that a more careful and balanced approach is needed.