A proposal to enable satellite-assisted, precise location tracking of mobile phone users in India, intended to aid law enforcement and disaster management, has been stuck in discussions for over five years, facing significant pushback on privacy grounds.
What is the Satellite Tracking Proposal?
The plan centers on making Assisted GPS (A-GPS) technology compulsory for all mobile phones. This system uses a combination of satellite signals and mobile network data to provide a faster and far more accurate location fix compared to the current method, which relies solely on triangulation from mobile towers. The current tower-based method is often delayed and lacks pinpoint accuracy.
The suggestion was formally made by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the lobby group representing major telecom players like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. The discussions have been led by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) with both telecom service providers and device manufacturers.
Why Has There Been No Progress?
The primary roadblocks to implementation are user privacy concerns and resistance from global smartphone makers. Companies like Apple and Samsung, represented by the India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), have strongly objected to any mandate that would force the always-on activation of such precise tracking.
Their key arguments include:
- Mandatory activation violates user consent, which should be obtained before enabling such invasive tracking.
- Fears that other service providers or hackers could potentially misuse an always-on location service, leading to severe privacy violations.
A Pattern of Privacy Pushback
This issue has resurfaced at a sensitive time, shortly after the government had to rescind an order mandating the pre-installation of the Sanchar Saathi app on new devices. That order was withdrawn following a public and industry outcry over potential state surveillance and privacy infringement.
In that case as well, Apple and Samsung had formally raised their objections with the Department of Telecommunications, citing similar user privacy principles. A source familiar with the satellite tracking discussions confirmed that while law enforcement and disaster agencies have long demanded faster, accurate location data, no final decision or government direction has been issued on the matter, leaving it in a prolonged state of limbo.
The stalemate highlights the ongoing tension in India between the operational needs of security agencies and the growing global emphasis on digital privacy and user consent, with major technology companies acting as a significant counterbalance.
