Amnesty Sounds Alarm Over India’s Proposed Always-On Phone Tracking Plan
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
BENGALURU / NEW DELHI — Dec 8 (GeokHub) Amnesty International has sharply criticized the Indian government’s review of a telecom-industry proposal that would mandate always-on satellite-based location tracking on all smartphones — calling the plan “deeply concerning.”
The proposal, under consideration by regulators, would require phone manufacturers to enable permanent location tracking, giving authorities real-time and precise location data for all users. Telecom companies backing the move argue it would help law enforcement track individuals under investigation more accurately.
But Amnesty warns the plan could severely threaten privacy and endanger vulnerable groups including journalists, dissidents, human-rights defenders and their contacts. According to the organisation, constantly tracked location data can expose sensitive personal and professional networks.
Global smartphone makers — including Apple, Google and Samsung — have reportedly opposed the proposal privately, citing serious security and privacy risks.
Critics argue the move risks transforming smartphones into tools for mass surveillance, blurring the line between legitimate law enforcement and intrusive state oversight. As debate continues, the government has not yet committed to a decision — but the backlash highlights mounting tension between national-security prerogatives and digital-rights safeguards.
