India’s Shocking Move: Will Mandatory Smartphone Tracking Put Your Privacy at Risk?

India’s government is again at the center of controversy in the tech world, with proposals that could transform ordinary smartphones into instruments of pervasive monitoring. Just days after retracting a mandate that would require the preloading of a state-owned cybersecurity app on all new devices, officials are now considering a plan for mandatory, always-on satellite location tracking, eliminating any option for users to disable this feature. This initiative, as reported by Reuters, has drawn sharp criticism from major tech companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung, who argue that it undermines user privacy and transforms devices into constant surveillance tools. The proposal originated from suggestions within the telecom industry aimed at aiding law enforcement, yet critics view it as a broader attempt to expand state oversight in one of the world’s largest smartphone markets.

The plan under consideration would require manufacturers to enable satellite-based location services—such as Assisted GPS (A-GPS)—at all times, ensuring that authorities can pinpoint user locations with high precision whenever necessary. According to documents and sources referenced in the Reuters report, this measure is framed as a public safety initiative intended to combat crime, including theft and emergencies. However, tech giants have pushed back vigorously, warning that such requirements could expose users to security risks and violate privacy norms. For instance, Apple has underscored how always-on tracking might drain battery life and create vulnerabilities for hackers, while Google has emphasized the erosion of user consent in data collection.

This is not the first time India has proposed such intrusive policies. Earlier this month, the telecom ministry issued a directive mandating smartphone manufacturers to preinstall the Sanchar Saathi app—a government-developed tool for reporting lost devices and blocking spam—on all new phones, making it undeletable. This order sparked immediate backlash from privacy advocates who labeled it a “tool of mass surveillance.” Opponents argued that forcing an app onto devices without user choice sets a dangerous precedent, potentially allowing the government to monitor communications and locations under the guise of cybersecurity.

The Backlash from Tech Titans and Privacy Watchdogs

The swift reversal of the Sanchar Saathi mandate, announced just days after its issuance, came amid mounting pressure from industry groups and civil society. As noted by Al Jazeera, the government rescinded the order following criticism that it infringed on user rights. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarified that the app would now be optional. This retreat marks a rare policy reversal for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, which has increasingly prioritized digital security in the face of rising cyber threats. However, the episode highlighted the deeper tensions between regulatory ambitions and global tech standards.

Now, with the location-tracking proposal gaining traction, similar concerns are resurfacing. Engadget described the idea as “draconian,” pointing out that it would eliminate users’ ability to toggle off location services, effectively making every phone a beacon for state monitoring. Samsung has joined Apple and Google in protesting, arguing that this could conflict with international privacy laws and deter foreign investment. Sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters that companies fear this could set off a chain reaction, where other nations adopt similar measures, complicating global supply chains.

Privacy advocates have voiced alarm, drawing parallels to authoritarian surveillance models. Posts on X, formerly Twitter, reflect widespread concern among users and experts. One prominent thread underscored how such policies could enable a “digital dictatorship,” granting authorities access to personal data like emails and social media during investigations. Others warned of a “surveillance regime” under Modi, citing previous reports of government snooping via tools like Pegasus spyware. These sentiments echo broader fears that India’s tech regulations are veering toward overreach, especially in a country where over a billion people rely on smartphones for everything from banking to social interactions.

To understand the current proposals, it’s essential to trace India’s trajectory in digital governance. Over the past decade, the government has ramped up efforts to localize data and enhance oversight, often citing national security. The 2021 Information Technology Rules required social media platforms to trace message origins, a move challenged in courts for violating privacy. Recently, the Income Tax Bill 2025 expanded officials’ powers to access electronic records, including WhatsApp chats and location data, during audits—a development criticized on X as a “dangerous precedent” for personal freedoms.

The Sanchar Saathi app emerged from the 2023 Telecommunications Act, designed to curb fraud and device theft. As reported by The Independent, critics view it as a “dystopian tool” for monitoring citizens, especially since it integrates with government databases for real-time tracking. Although the preload mandate was withdrawn, as confirmed by NBC News, the app has already garnered over 11 million registrations, according to GSMArena. This voluntary adoption raises questions about coercion versus genuine utility, with some users praising its anti-spam features while others worry about data leaks.

The new location-tracking initiative builds on these foundations, targeting satellite systems like A-GPS for “precise user locations,” according to The Economic Times. Proponents argue it is vital for emergency responses, similar to e911 systems in the U.S., but detractors point out that India’s version lacks opt-outs, potentially clashing with the Supreme Court’s 2017 ruling on privacy as a fundamental right. Legal experts speculate that lawsuits could follow if the plan advances, testing the boundaries of state power in the digital age.

For smartphone manufacturers, complying with these rules poses logistical challenges. Apple, which has invested heavily in India as a manufacturing hub, faces a “policy clash,” according to Technology.org. The company has resisted backdoors in its ecosystem and may lobby harder or even threaten to scale back operations. Google and Samsung echo these concerns, warning that always-on tracking could increase cyber vulnerabilities, making phones easier targets for malware.

Economically, India risks alienating foreign firms at a time when it is courting them to diversify from China. With over 800 million smartphone users, the market is a significant prize, but regulations like these could slow growth. A report from iPhone in Canada highlighted how the proposal might “turn phones into dedicated surveillance devices,” potentially harming sales if consumers opt for privacy-focused alternatives. On X, tech insiders have shared anecdotes of users switching to encrypted apps or rooting devices to bypass restrictions, signaling a potential black market for unmodified phones.

Internationally, India’s moves are under scrutiny. Comparisons to China’s Great Firewall abound, with privacy groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation urging global resistance. If adopted, the always-on tracking could inspire similar policies in other countries, from Southeast Asia to Europe, where debates over data sovereignty are ongoing. Yet, supporters within India’s telecom sector argue that it is a necessary evolution for a nation grappling with rising cyber crimes, including ransomware attacks that have affected critical infrastructure.

User sentiment, as gleaned from posts on X, reveals a mix of resignation and outrage. One viral thread from a cybersecurity expert described the proposals as a “shopping list for mass snooping,” referencing tools to hack WhatsApp and monitor posts. Another post linked the surveillance push to broader political control, citing earlier reports on government backdoors. These grassroots reactions underscore a growing distrust, particularly among younger demographics who view smartphones as extensions of personal identity.

Government officials defend the initiatives as protective measures. In clarifications reported by Indian Express, Minister Scindia emphasized that data would be handled securely, with safeguards against misuse. However, without transparent audits or independent oversight, skepticism persists. Analysts predict that if the location-tracking plan proceeds, it could face judicial scrutiny, potentially reshaping India’s digital framework.

Looking ahead, the interplay between innovation and regulation will define India’s tech future. As the government balances security needs with privacy rights, the outcomes could influence global standards. These proposals highlight a pivotal moment: will India prioritize citizen protections or state capabilities? Industry insiders are bracing for prolonged negotiations, with the potential for compromises that allow optional tracking or enhanced data encryption. Whatever the resolution, these developments signal that the battle over smartphone sovereignty is far from over, with implications that extend beyond India’s borders.