India’s information technology minister thinks that providing the nation’s women with low-cost GPS-enabled wristwatches could make a difference in the instance of sexual violence, and he expects to develop a prototype within the year. Reported by The Wall Street Journal’s India Real Time, the watch would feature a button that the wearer could use to send a text message to authorities and family members when in distress. An onboard camera would also be able to record 30 minutes' worth of video. If the government decides to go ahead with production, the device will be made available in $20 and $50 versions, and state-run networking equipment manufacturer ITI has said it is game to do the manufacturing.

Safety is a major concern in the country, whose legal system has faced intense international scrutiny following the fatal beating and gang rape of 23 year-old Jyoti Singh Pandey aboard a New Delhi bus last month. But until real legislative and social reforms take hold, it’s doubtful that a technological solution could provide a meaningful deterrent to violence. Speaking to India Real Time, Delhi women’s rights activist Sehba Farooqi said, "I don’t think this will make any difference in controlling rape cases."