India’s long-running debate over digital surveillance and user privacy has entered a new and explosive phase. The government is now reviewing a telecom industry proposal to force smartphone makers to keep satellite-based location tracking permanently switched ona move the world’s top tech firms say would turn every phone into a “surveillance device”.
The Proposal: A-GPS Tracking That Cannot Be Disabled
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI)—which represents Jio and Airtel—has urged the government to mandate always-active A-GPS tracking on all smartphones.
A-GPS uses both mobile networks and satellite signals, giving authorities precise, one-meter accuracyfar beyond what telecom tower triangulation can currently offer.
Under the proposal:
- Location services would be always on
- Users would have no option to disable tracking
- Smartphone makers would have to comply through firmware-level changes
This would be a first-of-its-kind mandate anywhere in the world.
Tech Giants Warn of ‘Regulatory Overreach’ and Security Risks
Apple and Google have strongly opposed the proposal in confidential communications with the government, warning that turning phones into always-tracked devices would:
- Endanger judges, journalists, military personnel, and corporate leaders
- Violate global privacy norms
- Create unprecedented surveillance capabilities
- Remove user control and transparency
In a private July letter, the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA)—representing both Apple and Google—said the proposal would be a “regulatory overreach” and could compromise national security, not strengthen it.
“This would effectively convert phones into dedicated surveillance devices,” warned digital forensics expert Junade Ali.
Government Scrutiny Intensifies After Sanchar Saathi Backlash
This debate comes just days after the government withdrew its controversial order requiring smartphone makers to pre-install the Sanchar Saathi app on all devices.
That rollback followed a public outcry over privacy and snooping fears.
Now, the A-GPS proposal is under review by both the IT Ministry and the Home Ministry. A key meeting with smartphone makers, planned to discuss the surveillance implications, was abruptly postponed.
Why Telcos Want the Change
Indian agencies often complain that existing tracking tools—dependent on mobile towers—are imprecise and slow. Worse, phones now display alerts such as “carrier is trying to access your location,” allowing suspects to detect when they’re being monitored.
Telcos want the government to:
- Activate precise tracking via A-GPS
- Disable pop-up alerts that warn users during surveillance
Smartphone makers say this would undermine user rights and transparency.
A Precedent-Setting Privacy Flashpoint
If India mandates permanent satellite tracking, it would set a global precedent—one that privacy advocates worldwide are watching with alarm.
At this point, no final decision has been taken. But the battle lines between national security, telecom demandsand tech-industry privacy standards are clearer than ever.
Summary
India is reviewing a proposal to force smartphone makers to keep satellite-based A-GPS tracking permanently active for precise surveillance, triggering major privacy concerns. Apple and Google oppose the move, calling it unprecedented and dangerous. Telcos argue it’s essential for investigations. The government is evaluating the plan amid wider debates on digital privacy, national security, and user rights following the Sanchar Saathi controversy.
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