The Indian government is reviewing a proposal submitted in June by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which recommends making satellite-based always-on location tracking mandatory on smartphones. If implemented, this system would allow authorities to access user location data at all times. However, Apple, Google, and Samsung have opposed the move, raising serious privacy concerns. So far, neither MeitY nor the Home Ministry has made a final decision, and a meeting with all stakeholders is expected soon. Earlier, the DoT’s attempt to make the Sanchar Saathi app mandatory was also withdrawn following strong public criticism.

 

COAI’s Push for Device-Level Location Tracking

According to a Reuters report, COAI—representing Reliance and Bharti Airtel—wants smartphone manufacturers to integrate always-active Assisted GPS (A-GPS) technology. This would provide authorities with meter-level accuracy in tracking users—far more precise than current cell tower-based methods.

The report also states that the proposal suggests removing the option for users to disable location services, along with eliminating pop-up alerts that appear when carriers attempt to access location data. Supporters argue that such measures could prevent suspects from being alerted during criminal investigations and make tracking stolen or fraudulent devices easier.

 

Tech Companies Raise Privacy Concerns

The India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents Apple and Google, reportedly sent a confidential letter to the government in July, stating that no such regulation exists anywhere in the world. Apple, Google, and Samsung have all requested the government not to mandate these provisions.

Experts believe that enforcing always-on location tracking would severely compromise user privacy, increase surveillance risks for sensitive groups such as journalists, judges, and defense personnel, and violate global norms related to user consent.

The government has not yet reached a final decision. A scheduled meeting between regulators and smartphone manufacturers has also reportedly been postponed, indicating that discussions on the proposal are still ongoing.