Archive · 6 Dec 2025
India Reviews Mandatory Phone Location Tracking
After a recent controversy about a phone app, there's a new discussion in India about whether all phones should always share their location.
Some phone companies think this would help the police, but big companies like Apple and Google say no.
A group called the Internet Freedom Foundation is worried this could be too much like spying.
The government is just looking at the idea right now and hasn't decided anything yet.
The Indian government is reviewing a proposal for mandatory GPS-based location tracking on all smartphones.
The proposal originated from telecom service providers, not the government.
Apple, Samsung, and Google have opposed the proposal due to privacy concerns.
The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) has raised concerns about increased state surveillance.
This comes after the government withdrew a previous mandate for the Sanchar Saathi app on December 4.
- Who
- Government of India, Telecom service providers, Apple, Samsung, Google, Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF)
- What
- Review of a proposal for mandatory GPS-based location tracking on all smartphones
- When
- After the withdrawal of the Sanchar Saathi app mandate on December 4
- Where
- India
- Why
- Telecom providers want accurate location data for law enforcement; concerns raised about state surveillance and privacy
- Proposal Origin
- Telecom service providers (COAI)
- Government's Action
- Reviewing the proposal
- Opposition
- Apple, Samsung, Google, Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF)
- Technology Involved
- GPS-based location tracking
- Previous Controversy
- Sanchar Saathi app mandate
Sources
The Wire twists report to falsely claim that govt is proposing to mandate keeping phone location ‘on’ at all times
Govt Mulls Always-On Phone Location Tracking Proposal For Smartphones: Report
After Sanchar Saathi Row, Is India Weighing Tougher Phone-Tracking? IFF Flags Concern
