AI for Personal Safety: Useful Tools and Honest Limits

Technology can add a layer of protection in emergencies, on journeys and at home. It works best alongside common sense and community.

In an emergency, contact your local emergency services.

• Crash and fall detection on phones and watches that automatically call for help.
• Emergency SOS and location sharing with trusted contacts.
• Journey check-ins that alert someone if you don't arrive.
• Spam and scam call screening.
• Smart doorbells and cameras (with privacy considerations).
• Personal alarms with automatic notification.
• Safety apps with community reports or safe-route suggestions.
• Medical ID information on your lock screen.
• Weather and disaster alerts.

• False alarms and missed events.
• Battery and signal dependence.
• Location data is sensitive. Choose who can see it.
• Community-report apps can contain biased or unverified information.
• Stalkerware risk: location-sharing features can be misused by controlling partners.
• No substitute for awareness, planning and support from others.

1. Set up emergency contacts and medical ID now.
2. Test features such as SOS and fall detection.
3. Share location only with people you trust, and review who has access.
4. Keep your phone charged and consider a backup power bank.
5. Tell someone your plans for risky journeys.
6. Know the signs of unwanted tracking and how to check your devices.

Prioritise getting to a safe place and contacting emergency services or a trusted person. Support organisations can help with stalking, abuse or harassment.

Safety tech can speed up help and reassure you. Set it up before you need it, and protect your location data.