Anti-groping smartphone app highly popular in Japan
TOKYO — A smartphone app developed by Japanese police is being widely downloaded by women trying to protect themselves from gropers on packed rush-hour trains.
The "Digi Police" app was originally issued by Tokyo police three years ago, but a function to scare off molesters was only added a few months ago. Since then, the app has reportedly been downloaded hundreds of thousands of times — unusual for a government-developed mobile application.
Women in crowded trains and other public places in Japan often face sexual harassment, but are typically too afraid to call out for help due to a sense of embarrassment.
With the app, victims can press a "repel groper" icon to produce a written message saying "There is a groper here. Please help." With another press, the message turns red and a voice repeatedly says, "Please stop!"
The app includes an alarm and can notify a designated email address when used — a feature that can also be used by children and their parents. Users can also locate crime-prone areas and police stations on a map.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/anti-groping-smartphone-app-highly-popular-in-japan/ar-AABJxlz?li=BBnbcA1
