Tech News

Android Phones Get Emergency Live Video Sharing Feature; New DroidLock Malware Targets Android Users

Highlights

Google has launched Android Emergency Live Video feature that allows users to share encrypted, real‑time video with first responders during emergencies.
The feature works on Android 8+ devices with Google Play services and is optional.
A new malware called DroidLock is targeting Spanish‑speaking Android users via phishing sites, locking devices, changing PINs and demanding ransom.

Caption – Google announces Emergency Live Video Sharing Feature. (Image credit – Google)

Google has introduced a new safety-focused feature for Android smartphones that allows users to share live video with emergency services during critical situations. Announced via a recent blog post, the feature is called Android Emergency Live Video and is designed to help users provide real-time visual information to first responders with just a single tap.

Android’s Emergency Live Video Sharing Feature

Caption – Users can share Live Videos during an emergency. (Image credit – Google)

The rollout has started in the United States, select regions in Germany, and Mexico. The feature is available on Android smartphones running Android 8 or later, provided Google Play services is installed on the device.

When a user makes an emergency call or sends an emergency text, responders can request live video if they believe visual context would be helpful and safe. Once the request is sent, a prompt appears on the user’s phone, allowing them to securely start sharing live video from their camera with a single tap.

According to Google, Android Emergency Live Video is encrypted by default and users remain in full control throughout the process. Sharing video is entirely optional and can be stopped instantly at any time. The real-time video feed can also enable emergency responders to guide users through potentially life-saving steps, such as performing CPR, until help arrives on the scene.

CEO Sundar Pichai share the details of the new feature on X.

New DroidLock Malware Threat to Android Users

Separately, Android users are also being warned about a new and dangerous malware strain known as DroidLock. Newly uncovered research by mobile security firm Zimperium reveals that the malware is actively targeting Spanish-speaking users by locking them out of their devices and demanding a ransom.

Attackers are reportedly using phishing websites that appear to be legitimate Android app download pages. These sites trick users into installing fake apps that function as droppers, secretly downloading a second malicious component in the background.

Once activated, DroidLock can take full control of an Android device. Victims are locked out of their phones with a ransom message warning that all files will be deleted within 24 hours unless payment is made. While the malware does not encrypt data, it can change the device’s PIN, password, or biometric settings, effectively making the phone inaccessible.

Researchers say DroidLock abuses device administrator privileges to carry out harmful actions, including wiping data, muting notifications, and capturing photos using the front camera without the user’s knowledge. The malware also displays a fake Android update screen to block user interaction while it performs malicious activities in the background. In some cases, it can record and send on-screen activity to a remote server.

Android users are advised to stay alert, avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources and carefully review app permissions before installation to reduce the risk of infection from threats like DroidLock.

FAQs

Q1. What is Android Emergency Live Video and where is it available?

Answer. It’s a new safety feature that lets users share encrypted live video with emergency services during critical situations. The rollout has begun in the US, Germany, and Mexico on devices running Android 8 or later with Google Play services.

Q2. How does the Android Emergency Live Video feature work?

Answer. When making an emergency call or text, responders can request live video. Users get a prompt and can choose to share video securely with one tap, stop anytime, and allow responders to guide them through life‑saving steps like CPR.

Q3. What is DroidLock malware and how does it affect Android users?

Answer. DroidLock is a new malware targeting Spanish‑speaking users via phishing sites. It locks devices, changes PINs or passwords, demands ransom, and can secretly record activity. It abuses admin privileges, fakes update screens, and threatens to delete files within 24 hours if payment isn’t made.