India Considers Mandating Always-On Phone Location Tracking — Tech Giants Push Back
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
NEW DELHI — Dec 5 (GeokHub) India’s government is reviewing a proposal from the telecom industry that would require all smartphones sold in the country to have satellite-based location tracking (A-GPS) permanently enabled — a move that would give authorities precise, real-time location data for users. Major phone makers including Apple, Google and Samsung are strongly opposing the plan, arguing it raises serious concerns over privacy, security, and user rights.
Under the proposal, phones would be forced to operate as continuous location-tracking devices, without giving users the option to disable tracking. Proponents say this level of precision is needed to help law enforcement with investigations, citing limitations of the current system which relies on tower-based location estimates. Critics warn the change would erode personal privacy — potentially endangering vulnerable groups such as journalists, judges, or activists — and mark a dramatic expansion of state surveillance.
The proposal comes just days after the government withdrew a separate order that would have required preloading a state-run cybersecurity app on all smartphones, following backlash over privacy fears. The renewed push for mandatory tracking has reignited debate over digital rights, data security and the balance between law enforcement powers and individual freedoms in India.
Trending:
SoftBank’s Arm to Open Chip-Design Training Facility in South Korea
As of now, no formal decision has been made. Meetings scheduled between government officials and smartphone manufacturers have been postponed, leaving the future of the proposal uncertain — and a public discussion on privacy and surveillance is intensifying.
If you enjoy our work and want to support us, you can buy us a coffee
