India Proposes Permanent GPS Tracking on Smartphones Amid Backlash

India’s government is considering a controversial telecommunications proposal that would mandate smartphones to have permanent satellite-based location tracking activated. This plan, advocated by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), aims to enhance law enforcement capabilities by providing authorities with more precise location data during legal investigations. However, it has sparked significant pushback from major technology companies, including Apple, Google, and Samsung, who cite serious privacy and security concerns.

According to reports from Reuters, the proposed regulations would require manufacturers to enable Assisted GPS (A-GPS) on all devices, effectively removing users’ ability to deactivate location services. Currently, law enforcement relies on cellular tower data, which only offers approximate locations. Experts indicated that continuous access to A-GPS could enable tracking with an accuracy of approximately one meter.

Industry Concerns Over Privacy and Security

The COAI has further suggested that smartphone makers disable location tracking alerts, arguing that such notifications might inform individuals under investigation. This has raised alarms among privacy advocates and industry lobbyists. The India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents both Apple and Google, has cautioned that there is “no precedent anywhere else in the world” for such compulsory, device-level A-GPS surveillance.

In a confidential letter to the government in July 2023, the ICEA characterized the proposal as potential “regulatory overreach.” The association highlighted the risks to national security, emphasizing that smartphones are commonly used by military personnel, journalists, and judges. They expressed concern that precise location data could be misused or compromised.

The ICEA also stressed the importance of location tracking notifications in maintaining transparency and trust, advocating that privacy protections should take precedence over enhanced surveillance measures.

Government Review and Broader Context

As of now, India’s Information Technology and Home Ministries are reviewing the proposal, yet no official decision has been reached. A meeting with senior executives from the smartphone industry, originally scheduled for this week, has reportedly been postponed, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the initiative.

This proposal comes on the heels of a privacy controversy that erupted last week when the Indian government rescinded a mandate requiring smartphone manufacturers to preload a state-backed cyber safety application on all devices. This earlier decision faced criticism from companies like Apple, which raised alarms over potential privacy risks.

The ongoing discourse surrounding these proposals reflects a broader tension between government surveillance goals and the protection of individual privacy rights. As the situation develops, both technology companies and government officials will need to navigate these complex issues carefully.