Centre weighs stricter phone-location tracking rules, tech giants oppose
What's the story
The Indian government is mulling a controversial proposal that would require smartphone manufacturers to keep satellite-based location tracking (A-GPS) on at all times, according to Reuters. The move, aimed at improving surveillance capabilities, has drawn strong objections from tech giants Apple, Google, and Samsung. They argue it would effectively turn smartphones into "dedicated surveillance devices," raising serious legal and privacy concerns.
System overview
Current location tracking system and its limitations
Currently, the location tracking system relies on cellular tower data, which can only provide an approximate area location. This method is not as precise as satellite-based technologies like A-GPS. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), representing major telecom firms such as Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, has suggested that precise user locations should be provided only if the government orders smartphone makers to activate A-GPS technology.
Tech details
A-GPS technology and its implications
A-GPS technology, which is usually only activated when certain apps are in use or during emergency calls, could provide authorities with location data accurate enough to track a user within about a meter. This level of precision has raised alarms among privacy advocates. "This proposal would see phones operate as a dedicated surveillance device," said Junade Ali, a digital forensics expert associated with Britain's Institution of Engineering and Technology.
International response
Global concerns and potential policy decisions
The proposal has also drawn global attention, with Cooper Quintin, a security researcher at the US-based Electronic Frontier Foundation, calling it "pretty horrifying." No other country has proposed such a measure. However, no policy decision has yet been made by India's IT or home ministries. The proposal is still under consideration and could have far-reaching implications for privacy rights in India.