Apple, Google, Samsung Pushback Against Always-on Smartphone Location Tracking In India

The Union Government is examining a proposal for always-on smartphone location tracking that has drawn strong resistance from major technology companies. According to reports, the plan from the Cellular Operators Association of India would let authorities access precise user locations, while Apple, Google, and Samsung have objected, citing serious privacy and safety concerns.

Officials from MeitY and the Home Ministry have not yet agreed on the proposal, and discussions continue. A stakeholder meeting between regulators and smartphone manufacturers was planned but reportedly postponed, underlining divisions within industry and government. The debate follows recent criticism of the Department of Telecommunications over an earlier Sanchar Saathi circular.

Always-on smartphone location tracking proposal and technical details

A Reuters report said COAI, which counts Reliance and Bharti Airtel as members, wants smartphone makers to build in satellite-based Assisted GPS that remains permanently active. The group argues this system would allow location detection accurate to a few metres, compared with current cell tower triangulation that often identifies only a broad area.

Documents and internal emails reviewed by media indicate the proposal goes further than technical changes. COAI reportedly suggested removing users’ ability to disable location services and dropping pop-up alerts that appear when operators seek location data. Supporters say this would prevent suspects being warned during criminal probes and help trace stolen or fraudulent devices.

Always-on smartphone location tracking privacy concerns and industry pushback

Lobbying group India Cellular & Electronics Association, representing Apple and Google, reportedly wrote confidentially to the Government in July. The letter said such a measure does not exist "anywhere else in the world." Apple, Google, and Samsung have all urged officials not to force these changes through regulation.

Companies and civil society voices argue always-on smartphone location tracking could erode user privacy, weaken consent rules, and expose sensitive groups such as journalists, judges, and defence personnel to greater surveillance risks. The Sanchar Saathi app episode also weighs on the discussion, after a DoT circular implying mandatory use was criticised and later withdrawn, with the Government clarifying the app remains optional.

For now, the proposal for always-on smartphone location tracking remains under review, with regulators and smartphone brands preparing for further talks. The Government has not set a timeline for a decision, and the final approach is expected to balance law-enforcement demands, user privacy rights, and technical feasibility across India’s large mobile ecosystem.