Google opens mobile website to provide refugees with information

Google has developed a website with Crisis Info Hub that is intended to provide information to refugees. The site is made to be accessed on the smartphone and requires little from the battery. Google is also trying to improve access to mobile internet.

The arrival of the information hub was announced on Google’s blog. Crisis Info Hub collaborates with aid organizations, who add information to the website. For example, refugees must be able to find out where they can register, where they can get medical help and what about transport. Currently the website contains information about two Greek islands, but Google promises that information about more places will be added in the near future.

Google states that it has optimized the website for use on mobile devices, which refugees use most for digital information, according to the internet giant. Furthermore, the website has been made battery-friendly, with a black background with a simple interface, and the information on the website is available in several languages.

At the same time, Google is trying to provide refugees with mobile internet. The internet giant is working together with NetHope for this. Mobile internet is being rolled out in places where there is a need for it, but otherwise the company gave few details. NetHope specializes in providing internet connectivity to locations where humanitarian aid is needed.

Europe is struggling with a large influx of refugees, partly due to the escalated war in Syria. Google states that it wants to contribute to the reception of refugees with Crisis Info Hub.