Archive · 8 Dec 2025
India Reviews Mandate for Phone Location Tracking
The Indian government is thinking about making all phones always track their exact location using a special technology called A-GPS.
This can show where someone is within a meter.
Big phone companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung don't like this idea because they think it's not safe for people's privacy.
A group called Amnesty International also said this is a bad idea because it can put people who fight for human rights in danger.
Many people in India are worried that this will turn phones into tools for the government to spy on everyone.
The government hasn't decided yet what they will do, but they might talk to the phone companies soon.
The Indian government is reviewing a proposal to mandate always-on satellite location tracking on phones for better lawful surveillance.
Telecom operators suggest the government order smartphone manufacturers to permanently enable location tracking on phones.
Big smartphone firms like Apple, Google, and Samsung are privately opposing the proposal due to privacy and security concerns.
Amnesty International has criticized the plan, stating that location data can expose personal and professional connections, putting human rights defenders at risk.
Privacy activists and a large number of Indian users on social media have condemned the plan, framing it as turning phones into 'digital ankle monitors'.
- Who
- Government of India, Smartphone Manufacturers (Apple, Google, Samsung), Amnesty International, Privacy Activists
- What
- Proposed mandate for phone location surveillance using A-GPS technology
- When
- Under review, no specific timeline mentioned
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enhance tracking capabilities for lawful surveillance, though reasons are not explicitly stated
- Technology Involved
- A-GPS
- Precision
- Within a meter
- Stakeholders Involved
- Government of India, Smartphone Manufacturers (Apple, Google, Samsung), Amnesty International
- Status of Mandate
- Under review
- Next Steps
- Discussion between government and manufacturers
- Opposition
- Smartphone manufacturers, Amnesty International, privacy activists
