Tech Giants Oppose India’s ‘Always-On’ GPS Proposal Over Privacy Concerns
The Indian government is currently evaluating a contentious proposal from the telecom industry that would mandate smartphone manufacturers to enable always-on satellite location tracking. This initiative has ignited significant opposition from major technology companies, including Apple, Google, and Samsung, who argue that it poses serious privacy and security risks.
The proposal was introduced by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing major telecom players like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. The COAI suggests that the government should require smartphone makers to permanently activate Assisted GPS (A-GPS) technology. Currently, law enforcement agencies rely on data from cellular towers to track suspects, a method that provides an estimated location with a margin of error of several meters. The telecom companies argue that keeping A-GPS active would offer the precise location data necessary for effective criminal investigations.
However, technology giants strongly disagree. Through their lobbying group, the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), Apple, Google, and Samsung have formally expressed their concerns to the government. In a confidential letter, the group warned that such a measure would be unprecedented globally and constitutes regulatory overreach.
The primary concern is privacy. Experts warn that A-GPS technology is precise enough to track a user within a single meter. If implemented, this rule would effectively turn every smartphone into a dedicated surveillance device, according to digital forensics experts.
The tech companies also highlighted national security risks, noting that the phones of military personnel, judges, and corporate executives would be equally vulnerable to this constant tracking. This debate comes at a sensitive time for digital privacy in India.
Just days prior, the government was forced to withdraw an order that required smartphone makers to pre-install a state-run cyber safety app. According to Reuters, following intense backlash from activists and politicians over potential snooping. No final decision has been made yet. The proposal is under review by India’s IT and home ministries.
Tech companies are urging the government to prioritize user transparency, warning that removing current safeguards, such as pop-up notifications when location is accessed, would strip users of control over their own data.
