Controversy Over A-GPS Mandate Sparks Privacy Concerns Among Phone Companies

A new controversy is brewing in India over the government's consideration of a mandatory A-GPS system for mobile phones. The Cellular Operators Association of India, known as COAI, has suggested that the government order the compulsory activation of A-GPS technology, which utilizes satellite and mobile data to provide accurate and accelerated location tracking.

However, this proposal has faced significant resistance from phone manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, who argue that user consent is essential before activating such tracking features. They have raised privacy concerns, highlighting fears that constant location tracking could be misused by service providers and hackers, leading to violations of user privacy.

This issue has resurfaced amid the government's recent decision to abandon plans for the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app, following public outcry over potential state surveillance and privacy infringements.

Discussions around this A-GPS mandate have been ongoing for over five years, but progress has stalled due to these privacy concerns and the reluctance of device makers to comply with mandatory activation requirements.

The ministry of electronics and IT, known as Meity, has been engaging with mobile operators and device manufacturers but has yet to reach a resolution on the matter.