The Indian government is evaluating a significant proposal that could require all smartphones sold in the country to have satellite-based Assisted-GPS (A-GPS) permanently enabled. This "always-on" mandate aims to provide law enforcement agencies with precise, real-time location data for all mobile users. The move, if implemented, would mean users could not disable location services on their devices, effectively turning every smartphone into a constant tracking tool for authorities.[voice+1]
India Considers Always-On GPS for Law Enforcement
The proposal, submitted by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents major telecom companies like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, seeks to enhance surveillance capabilities. Current methods used by law enforcement, which rely on telecom tower data, often provide only approximate locations, sometimes with a margin of error of hundreds of meters. Proponents argue that A-GPS, which combines satellite signals with cellular data, can achieve accuracy within approximately one meter.[voice+2]
This enhanced precision is deemed crucial by security agencies for various purposes, including criminal investigations, swift rescue operations, and the recovery of stolen mobile phones. Telecom operators, through COAI, contend that more accurate geolocation capabilities would significantly aid law enforcement efforts in a nation with hundreds of millions of mobile users and rapidly growing digital activity. They face criticism for inaccurate location data during investigations, and believe a device-level A-GPS mandate would improve their ability to comply with lawful requests.[businesstoday+1]
The proposed system would require smartphone manufacturers to keep A-GPS and related location services continuously active, removing any option for users to switch them off. This would allow operators to provide near real-time location data when directed by law enforcement or security agencies. The government has not yet made a final decision on the proposal, with discussions ongoing within the Ministry of Electronics and IT and the Home Ministry to evaluate its implications.[businesstoday+2]
Tech Giants, Privacy Advocates Raise Alarm
The proposal has triggered strong opposition from leading smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Google, and Samsung, along with various privacy advocacy groups. These companies and organizations argue that mandating always-on tracking violates global privacy norms and could set a dangerous precedent for state surveillance. They warn that such pervasive tracking could endanger sensitive individuals like journalists, judges, and security personnel by making them constantly locatable.[voice+2]
One industry lobby group described the proposal as "regulatory overreach."Experts have cautioned that enabling mandatory always-on tracking could effectively turn every smartphone into a "surveillance device."The India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), which includes Apple and Google among its members, has reportedly informed the government that no other country mandates such device-level, always-on satellite tracking.Concerns also include the increased exposure of sensitive data in the event of data breaches and the potential for misuse.[voice+3]
This debate follows recent privacy concerns in India, including the "Sanchar Saathi row." The government had previously issued a directive for mandating the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on new smartphones, but withdrew the order after facing intense public backlash and criticism over privacy fears. The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has since raised fresh concerns over the current proposal for mandatory GPS-based smartphone location tracking.[timesnownews]
Global Debate Over Government Location Tracking
The issue of government access to mobile location data is a global point of contention, balancing national security interests with individual privacy rights. In the United States, federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), have purchased cellphone location data from third-party data brokers without warrants. This practice allows them to track the movements of millions of people, circumventing the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling in Carpenter v. United States, which generally requires a warrant for obtaining historical cell-site location information from telecom companies.[eff+3]
US federal regulators have also taken action against telecom companies for illegally selling user location data. In April 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) fined major US telcos, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile US, and Sprint, a combined total of over $196 million for unlawfully sharing customers' real-time location information with third-party data aggregators. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel stated that these carriers "failed to protect the information entrusted to them," emphasizing the sensitivity of real-time location data.[techradar+1]
Globally, privacy regulations like the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) treat location data as personal data, requiring explicit consent for its collection and use. Public opinion often shows discomfort with general government tracking, with a 2020 US poll indicating 67 percent of adults were uncomfortable with the government accessing their geolocation data. However, this resistance slightly lessens when data is used for specific public health purposes, such as tracking the spread of a virus.[pro+1]
Balancing Security and Citizen Privacy
The proposal in India highlights the ongoing tension between national security imperatives and the fundamental right to privacy. While governments worldwide seek advanced tools to combat crime and ensure public safety, privacy advocates emphasize the potential for abuse and the erosion of civil liberties when such powerful surveillance capabilities are implemented without robust safeguards. The ability to track individuals with meter-level accuracy, without their consent or ability to opt-out, raises significant questions about the nature of state power in a digital age.[voice+2]
The government is expected to hold consultations with smartphone manufacturers, telecom operators, and civil society groups before making a final decision. The outcome of this evaluation will not only shape technology policy in India but could also influence global discussions around digital rights and the extent of state surveillance. The decision will determine how India balances its security rationale with the protection of its citizens' personal information and privacy in an increasingly connected world.[businesstoday+1]
