Arun Kumar MThe Indian government is reviewing a controversial proposal that could dramatically change how smartphones operate in the country. The plan, submitted by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) — which represents major telecom companies like Airtel and Jio — recommends making GPS/A-GPS location tracking permanently enabled on all smartphones sold in India, with no option for users to turn it off.
If implemented, this would mean that every smartphone would constantly broadcast accurate location data, improving the ability of law-enforcement agencies to track devices during investigations.
Why This Proposal Was Made
Telecom operators argue that:
- Current tower-based location tracking is not accurate enough, often varying by hundreds of meters.
- Always-on A-GPS would provide precise, real-time coordinates, improving crime investigation, emergency response, and national security operations.
- Mandatory GPS could offer the government faster access to accurate location data when legally required.
A-GPS (Assisted GPS) boosts accuracy by combining satellite signals with mobile network and Wi-Fi data, giving location precision close to a few meters.
Why Tech Companies Are Strongly Opposing It
Major smartphone makers — Apple, Samsung, and Google — have raised serious objections, stating:
1. Massive Privacy Risks
Always-on location tracking would give authorities and telecom operators continuous access to a person’s movements, raising concerns of misuse and mass surveillance.
2. Global Precedent
No major country in the world forces smartphones to keep GPS enabled permanently.
Companies argue that India would set a concerning global precedent.
3. Security and Vulnerability Issues
Constant GPS broadcasting increases risks of:
- Hacking
- Data leaks
- Unauthorised tracking
If not protected properly, millions of users could be exposed.
4. Battery & Performance Concerns
Continuous GPS usage drains battery, affects device performance, and impacts user experience.
Civil Rights Groups React
Privacy advocates and digital rights organisations have called this proposal:
- “Deeply concerning”
- A potential step toward government overreach
- A violation of basic user rights and privacy protections
The fear is that once enabled, such a system could be expanded for broader surveillance purposes.
Government’s Current Stand
The government has not approved or finalized the proposal.
It is still under review, and meetings with smartphone manufacturers and technology coalitions are ongoing.
Officials have stated that they are evaluating both security needs and privacy implications before moving forward.
What This Could Mean for You
If the rule is passed:
- You cannot turn off GPS on your phone.
- Your device will send continuous location data (directly or indirectly).
- Telecom operators will be able to provide accurate location details to authorities when required by law.
- You may experience faster battery drain.
- Digital privacy expectations would change drastically in India.
If the rule is not passed, everything will continue as normal.
Conclusion
India’s proposed always-on GPS mandate is one of the most significant digital privacy debates the country has ever faced. While telecom operators argue it will strengthen national security and crime-solving capability, major smartphone manufacturers and privacy advocates warn that it could compromise user rights and introduce serious legal and ethical challenges.
For now, the final decision remains pending — and the outcome could shape the future of smartphone privacy in India for years to come.
