The post India Considers Mandatory Satellite Tracking on Smartphones as Apple and Google Push Back appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. India’s telecom industry has proposed mandatory satellite location tracking on all smartphones using A-GPS technology, which cannot be disabled by users, to enhance precise surveillance capabilities for government agencies. COAI’s Proposal: Representing major carriers like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, the Cellular Operators Association of India seeks A-GPS integration for location accuracy within one meter. Current Limitations: Cellular tower data only provides rough estimates, hindering effective investigations. Tech Rejections: Apple, Google, and Samsung oppose the measure, citing privacy risks and lack of global precedent, with over 735 million smartphones affected in India as of mid-2025. India’s satellite location tracking proposal for smartphones raises privacy alarms as telecom firms push for mandatory A-GPS. Discover tech giants’ opposition and surveillance implications. Stay informed on global policy shifts. What is India’s Proposal for Mandatory Satellite Location Tracking on Smartphones? India’s satellite location tracking proposal for smartphones involves requiring all devices to enable A-GPS technology permanently, combining satellite signals and cellular data for precise user location without user opt-out options. This initiative, backed by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), aims to improve government access to accurate location data during legal investigations. Telecom leaders like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel support it to overcome the limitations of current cellular tower-based tracking, which offers only approximate positions spanning several meters. Why Have Apple and Google Rejected India’s Telecom Industry Proposal? The proposal has met strong resistance from major smartphone manufacturers. Apple, Google, and Samsung, through their representative body the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), sent a confidential letter to Indian authorities in July, labeling it as unprecedented regulatory overreach. They highlighted that A-GPS is not designed or deployed for location surveillance purposes and warned of severe legal, privacy, and national security risks. For instance, the user base includes sensitive professionals such as military… The post India Considers Mandatory Satellite Tracking on Smartphones as Apple and Google Push Back appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. India’s telecom industry has proposed mandatory satellite location tracking on all smartphones using A-GPS technology, which cannot be disabled by users, to enhance precise surveillance capabilities for government agencies. COAI’s Proposal: Representing major carriers like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, the Cellular Operators Association of India seeks A-GPS integration for location accuracy within one meter. Current Limitations: Cellular tower data only provides rough estimates, hindering effective investigations. Tech Rejections: Apple, Google, and Samsung oppose the measure, citing privacy risks and lack of global precedent, with over 735 million smartphones affected in India as of mid-2025. India’s satellite location tracking proposal for smartphones raises privacy alarms as telecom firms push for mandatory A-GPS. Discover tech giants’ opposition and surveillance implications. Stay informed on global policy shifts. What is India’s Proposal for Mandatory Satellite Location Tracking on Smartphones? India’s satellite location tracking proposal for smartphones involves requiring all devices to enable A-GPS technology permanently, combining satellite signals and cellular data for precise user location without user opt-out options. This initiative, backed by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), aims to improve government access to accurate location data during legal investigations. Telecom leaders like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel support it to overcome the limitations of current cellular tower-based tracking, which offers only approximate positions spanning several meters. Why Have Apple and Google Rejected India’s Telecom Industry Proposal? The proposal has met strong resistance from major smartphone manufacturers. Apple, Google, and Samsung, through their representative body the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), sent a confidential letter to Indian authorities in July, labeling it as unprecedented regulatory overreach. They highlighted that A-GPS is not designed or deployed for location surveillance purposes and warned of severe legal, privacy, and national security risks. For instance, the user base includes sensitive professionals such as military…

India Considers Mandatory Satellite Tracking on Smartphones as Apple and Google Push Back

  • COAI’s Proposal: Representing major carriers like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, the Cellular Operators Association of India seeks A-GPS integration for location accuracy within one meter.

  • Current Limitations: Cellular tower data only provides rough estimates, hindering effective investigations.

  • Tech Rejections: Apple, Google, and Samsung oppose the measure, citing privacy risks and lack of global precedent, with over 735 million smartphones affected in India as of mid-2025.

India’s satellite location tracking proposal for smartphones raises privacy alarms as telecom firms push for mandatory A-GPS. Discover tech giants’ opposition and surveillance implications. Stay informed on global policy shifts.

What is India’s Proposal for Mandatory Satellite Location Tracking on Smartphones?

India’s satellite location tracking proposal for smartphones involves requiring all devices to enable A-GPS technology permanently, combining satellite signals and cellular data for precise user location without user opt-out options. This initiative, backed by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), aims to improve government access to accurate location data during legal investigations. Telecom leaders like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel support it to overcome the limitations of current cellular tower-based tracking, which offers only approximate positions spanning several meters.

Why Have Apple and Google Rejected India’s Telecom Industry Proposal?

The proposal has met strong resistance from major smartphone manufacturers. Apple, Google, and Samsung, through their representative body the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), sent a confidential letter to Indian authorities in July, labeling it as unprecedented regulatory overreach. They highlighted that A-GPS is not designed or deployed for location surveillance purposes and warned of severe legal, privacy, and national security risks. For instance, the user base includes sensitive professionals such as military personnel, judges, and journalists, whose security could be compromised by constant tracking. Digital forensics expert Junade Ali from Britain’s Institution of Engineering and Technology described the measure as turning phones into dedicated surveillance devices. Similarly, security researcher Cooper Quintin from the Electronic Frontier Foundation called it horrifying, noting no similar global proposals exist. This opposition echoes a prior incident where the government retracted a mandate for pre-installed state-run cyber safety apps due to privacy concerns raised by activists and tech firms.

India’s telecom sector, driven by the need for better investigative tools, argues that existing systems fall short. Government agencies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration have long expressed frustration over imprecise location data from cellular towers. Moreover, smartphone notifications alerting users to carrier location requests undermine operations by tipping off potential targets. The COAI urges disabling these alerts entirely to maintain surveillance integrity. In response, ICEA defended the notifications as essential for user transparency and control. A scheduled meeting between the home ministry and industry executives was postponed, leaving the policy’s fate undecided by the IT and home ministries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Potential Privacy Implications of India’s Satellite Location Tracking Proposal?

Implementing mandatory A-GPS tracking without user disable options could enable constant government surveillance, raising significant privacy concerns. Experts warn it might expose sensitive user data, affecting millions in India’s 735 million smartphone market, where Android dominates over 95%. This could set a precedent for expanded monitoring worldwide, conflicting with global privacy standards.

How Does A-GPS Technology Work in the Context of India’s Telecom Proposal?

A-GPS enhances location accuracy by integrating satellite signals with cellular network data, achieving precision up to one meter, far superior to traditional tower triangulation. In India’s proposal, it would operate continuously on smartphones, providing authorities with real-time, detailed user positions during investigations, without relying solely on less accurate cellular estimates.

Key Takeaways

  • Permanent Tracking Mandate: The COAI proposal demands A-GPS activation on all smartphones, eliminating user control to aid precise law enforcement tracking.
  • Industry Backlash: Tech giants like Apple and Google argue it poses unprecedented privacy threats, impacting high-security users and lacking international support.
  • Market Impact: With 735 million devices in India by mid-2025, approval could influence global surveillance policies, urging stakeholders to monitor ministry decisions closely.

Conclusion

India’s satellite location tracking proposal for smartphones underscores the tension between enhanced surveillance needs and user privacy rights, with telecom firms pushing for A-GPS integration amid opposition from Apple, Google, and Samsung. As the world’s second-largest mobile market grapples with these issues, the outcome could reshape digital security norms globally. Policymakers and users alike should stay vigilant for updates from the home and IT ministries to understand evolving implications for personal data protection.

Source: https://en.coinotag.com/india-considers-mandatory-satellite-tracking-on-smartphones-as-apple-and-google-push-back

Market Opportunity
EPNS Logo
EPNS Price(PUSH)
$0.01633
$0.01633$0.01633
-3.94%
USD
EPNS (PUSH) Live Price Chart
Disclaimer: The articles reposted on this site are sourced from public platforms and are provided for informational purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the views of MEXC. All rights remain with the original authors. If you believe any content infringes on third-party rights, please contact service@support.mexc.com for removal. MEXC makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content and is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided. The content does not constitute financial, legal, or other professional advice, nor should it be considered a recommendation or endorsement by MEXC.

You May Also Like

Denver Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II And Detroit Lions’ Terrion Arnold Talk About Their New Podcast & Nick Saban

Denver Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II And Detroit Lions’ Terrion Arnold Talk About Their New Podcast & Nick Saban

The post Denver Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II And Detroit Lions’ Terrion Arnold Talk About Their New Podcast & Nick Saban appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Alabama Crimson Tide greats Patrick Surtain II and Terrion Arnold are debuting a new podcast called “Closed On Sundays.” (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) Getty Images Patrick Surtain II and Terrion Arnold may not have played at the same time with the Alabama Crimson Tide, but they share a lot in common during their NFL careers. The two standout cornerbacks not only played at Alabama, they did so under legendary head coach Nick Saban. That path that started in Tuscaloosa led to both players being selected in the first round of the NFL draft, where they now serve as the No. 1 cornerbacks of their respective teams. In Surtain II’s case, he’s the reigning Defensive Player of the Year and regarded as one of the top overall players as a member of the Denver Broncos. In Arnold’s case, he’s coming off of a solid rookie campaign with the Detroit Lions. Considering their backgrounds, it’s no surprise that the two are pairing up to form their first podcasts together called “Closed On Sundays.” The weekly series will see the two share stories from an on-field perspective and behind the scenes, along with featuring weekly guests. It’s an interesting dynamic considering the 25-year-old Surtain II – even though he’s the more established of the duo – is more reserved whereas as the 22-year-old Arnold is more outspoken and is not afraid to give headline-worthy quotes. The Lions cornerback arguably gave the quote of the year shortly after he was drafted when he said he would jam his mom into the dirt if she lined up across him as a receiver. “It meshes well because Terrion may say the things that I may not say or may not come out of my mouth,” says Surtain II in a one-on-one interview. “It’s good to…
Share
BitcoinEthereumNews2025/09/19 00:29
China Bans Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D Chip Amid AI Hardware Push

China Bans Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D Chip Amid AI Hardware Push

TLDR China instructs major firms to cancel orders for Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D chip. Nvidia shares drop 1.5% after China’s ban on key AI hardware. China accelerates development of domestic AI chips, reducing U.S. tech reliance. Crypto and AI sectors may seek alternatives due to limited Nvidia access in China. China has taken a bold [...] The post China Bans Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000D Chip Amid AI Hardware Push appeared first on CoinCentral.
Share
Coincentral2025/09/18 01:09
UWRO President Nail Saifutdinov: Digital Solutions for Faith Communities and Remembrance Services—Under One International Foundation

UWRO President Nail Saifutdinov: Digital Solutions for Faith Communities and Remembrance Services—Under One International Foundation

UWRO (United World Religions Organization) is an international faith tech foundation working at the intersection of technology, media, and social impact. It creates
Share
Techbullion2025/12/26 20:19