India’s Proposal for Mandatory A-GPS Activation Sparks Privacy Concerns
The Indian government is currently evaluating a proposal that would require smartphone manufacturers to permanently activate Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) technology on all devices sold within the country. This initiative, primarily advocated by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), aims to enhance the precision of location data available to law enforcement agencies.
Understanding A-GPS and Its Implications
A-GPS combines satellite signals with cellular network data to provide highly accurate location information, often pinpointing a device’s position within a meter. This level of precision surpasses traditional methods that rely solely on cellular tower triangulation, which can be less accurate. By mandating the continuous activation of A-GPS, authorities would gain the ability to track individuals’ movements in real-time with unprecedented accuracy.
The Rationale Behind the Proposal
The COAI, representing major telecom operators like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, has expressed concerns that current location tracking methods do not meet the needs of law enforcement during investigations. They argue that the existing system’s reliance on cellular tower data results in imprecise location information, potentially hindering the effectiveness of security operations. By enforcing mandatory A-GPS activation, the COAI believes that law enforcement agencies would be better equipped to respond to emergencies and criminal activities.
Opposition from Tech Giants
Major smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Google, and Samsung, have voiced strong opposition to the proposed mandate. These companies have raised significant concerns regarding user privacy, legal implications, and potential national security risks. They argue that enforcing continuous A-GPS activation could lead to unauthorized surveillance and misuse of personal data. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of user consent and transparency, noting that current practices involve notifying users when their location data is accessed.
Privacy Advocacy and Public Response
Privacy advocacy groups have also expressed alarm over the proposal, highlighting the potential for abuse and the erosion of individual privacy rights. They warn that mandatory, non-disablable A-GPS tracking could transform smartphones into pervasive surveillance tools, posing risks to vulnerable populations such as journalists, activists, and political dissidents. The debate underscores a broader global tension between the demands of national security and the protection of digital privacy rights.
Historical Context and Related Measures
This proposal is not the first instance of the Indian government seeking to implement mandatory tracking measures. In 2018, the government mandated the installation of GPS devices and panic buttons in all passenger transport vehicles, including taxis and buses, to enhance passenger safety. More recently, in September 2025, the Tamil Nadu government required all public service vehicles to be equipped with standardized Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) to improve monitoring and safety in the transport sector. These measures reflect a pattern of increasing governmental interest in utilizing GPS technology for public safety and regulatory purposes.
Potential Consequences and Industry Impact
If implemented, the mandatory activation of A-GPS could have far-reaching implications for both consumers and the tech industry. For consumers, the continuous tracking of their location without the option to disable the feature raises significant privacy concerns. For smartphone manufacturers, complying with such a mandate could involve substantial technical adjustments and potential legal challenges, especially in jurisdictions with stringent privacy laws. The proposal also raises questions about the balance between national security interests and individual privacy rights, a debate that is playing out in various forms around the world.
Current Status and Future Outlook
As of now, no final decision has been made regarding the mandatory activation of A-GPS in smartphones. Meetings between government officials and smartphone manufacturers have been postponed, indicating ongoing deliberations and the complexity of the issue. The outcome of this proposal will likely have significant implications for privacy rights, law enforcement capabilities, and the relationship between technology companies and government authorities in India.
