India Considers Controversial Satellite Tracking for Smartphones

India is reportedly considering a controversial proposal requiring smartphone manufacturers to enable always-on satellite-based location tracking, known as Assisted GPS. This measure would mean that location services must remain active at all times, with no option for users to disable them.

The Cellular Operators Association of India, representing major telecom companies, has suggested this approach to enhance law enforcement capabilities during investigations. However, this proposal has faced strong opposition from significant players in the tech industry, including Apple, Google, and Samsung, who argue that it constitutes a regulatory overreach and poses serious privacy risks.

The India Cellular & Electronics Association warned that such tracking could compromise the safety of various individuals, including military personnel and journalists. The proposal has been met with widespread criticism, with privacy advocates emphasizing the potential for abuse and lack of legal safeguards.

This comes shortly after the Indian government rescinded a requirement for smartphone makers to preload a state-run cybersecurity app due to public backlash. The meeting between India's home ministry and smartphone industry executives to discuss this proposal was recently postponed, indicating ongoing deliberations within the government about the implications of mandatory tracking.