For the longest time now, Skype did not allow for emergency calls. It has even a warning that it’s not capable of doing so, right as you launch the app on your device. But all that is about to change as in an announcement made by Microsoft, it was detailed that Skype users can now make emergency calls from their home PCs in the USA.
This new feature was rolled out upon the release of Skype 8.80 and it is in place to serve as an alternative when you do not have close proximity to your other communication devices. Moreover, the new feature also allows users to share their location whenever they make these emergency calls, but only if you have allowed Skype to share your location with the emergency operators.
Essentially, your location will only be shared during an emergency call for the sole purpose of routing your calls. This is for allowing local emergency operators to trace your location easily for immediate response to your pleas for help. It is worth noting, though, that your location will not be automatically shared when using a device that does not have an API for location sharing. The same also applies when you are in a location where location sharing is not available.
If you want to enable location sharing which will help 911 emergency operators to trace your whereabouts you will need to navigate through Profile picture > Settings > Privacy > 911 emergency location sharing to enable it.
As of now, it is unclear when the feature will be released to other regions. We have to wait and see how well users interact with this new feature on Skype.
