Exclusive: India eyes near-constant phone-location tracking; tech giants push back
The Indian flag, along with logos for Apple, Google, and Samsung and an illustration of a surveillance camera, appears in a recent image from December 4, 2025. Reuters/Illustration by Dado Ruvic
Summary
- India is weighing a telecom proposal that would force smartphones to enable satellite-based location tracking that stays on continuously for law enforcement purposes.
- Apple, Google, and Samsung oppose the plan, citing privacy and security risks.
- No global precedent exists for device-level, always-on location tracking.
- Earlier this week, India rescinded a government order that would have preloaded a state-run cyber-safety app on all devices.
Context
In New Delhi, the government is reviewing a proposal from the telecom sector that would compel smartphone makers to provide precise, satellite-assisted location data that is always active. This would enhance surveillance capabilities, but it has drawn strong objections from major device makers and their industry groups over privacy and security concerns.
Background
For years, Indian authorities have argued that existing location data, derived from cellular towers, offers only an approximate location, which can be several meters off from a person’s actual position. The current framework limits the accuracy available to investigators when legal requests are made to telecom providers.
Industry position
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents major carriers such as Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, has proposed that precise user positioning should be guaranteed only if smartphone makers are required to enable A-GPS technology. A-GPS combines satellite signals with cellular data to deliver higher accuracy. The proposal would effectively keep location services permanently active, with no user option to disable.
Response from manufacturers and affiliates
Apple, Samsung, and Google have indicated privately that such a mandate should not be imposed. They argue that permanent on-device tracking would create serious privacy and security vulnerabilities. The India-based ICEA, which represents Apple and Google, has warned that a device-level tracking regime would be a regulatory overreach and would raise substantial legal and civil-liberties concerns.
Policy process
A high-stakes meeting with industry leaders, hosted by India’s home ministry, was scheduled for Friday but postponed. Both the IT Ministry and the Home Ministry are evaluating the telecom industry’s proposal, and no formal decision has been announced.
Technology and security considerations
Activating A-GPS continuously could allow authorities to pinpoint a user’s location with near-perfect precision, potentially down to a meter. Some observers describe this as turning phones into dedicated surveillance devices. Experts note that current location-tracking methods are already under scrutiny for privacy implications, and they emphasize the importance of safeguards, transparency, and user control.
Broader landscape
Policymakers around the world routinely seek ways to improve access to location data for investigations. In some places, governments have mandated surveillance-friendly features or pre-installed apps, raising ongoing debates over civil liberties and security.
Key voices and questions
Supporters argue that greater location accuracy would aid law enforcement and public safety. Critics warn of excessive state access to private movements and sensitive information, including data from journalists, judges, and corporate executives. If the government advances this plan, should location tracking be a default-on feature, or should robust opt-out options and strong oversight accompany any expanded capability? What safeguards are essential to balance security with fundamental privacy rights? Commenters are invited to weigh in with their views on where the line should be drawn.
Notes
- The IT and Home Ministries have not released a final stance on the proposal.
- Comments from Apple, Google, Samsung, or their industry associations were not publicly disclosed at this stage.
