A new Reuters report reveals that India is examining a proposal that could significantly expand how phone locations are accessed during investigations. According to the report, the government is weighing a telecom industry request to enable continuous satellite-based tracking on all smartphones. This initial development has prompted strong responses from several major companies and has ignited a deeper national discussion that extends beyond technology.
Tech companies challenge proposed tracking framework
The report states that the idea originated from a telecom association that believes agencies struggle to obtain precise coordinates, as current methods depend on general tower-level information. The new approach would require permanently activated A-GPS features, leaving users with no ability to turn off location services. Apple, Google, and Samsung have reportedly opposed the measure, citing privacy and security implications.
Industry correspondence reviewed by the publication indicates that device makers argue such tracking has no global precedent and could introduce serious risks for individuals whose roles involve confidential or sensitive information. The situation has gained further attention after another recent government directive requiring a state-run app on devices was reversed due to concerns from civil groups and political leaders.
The ministries evaluating the proposal have not issued public statements, and Reuters notes that a high-level meeting with smartphone executives was postponed.
Experts interviewed by the outlet warned that constant, device-level tracing could effectively convert every handset into a monitoring tool, raising questions about proportionality and long-term impact. Technology researchers also pointed out that the capability could theoretically pinpoint users to within a meter, intensifying the debate over surveillance boundaries.
With more than 735 million smartphones in the country and Android commanding over 95 percent of the market, any new rule would have widespread consequences. The broader discussion now focuses on whether stronger investigative capabilities justify altering existing user expectations around control and transparency.
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