The Indian government is now considering a proposal that would force smartphone companies to keep always-on satellite location tracking (A-GPS) enabled. It is being said that the purpose of this step is to increase the investigative capabilities of government agencies, but tech giants like Google, Apple and Samsung are opposing it citing serious privacy concerns. This information has come from a Reuters report and many sources.
Why does the government need precise location data?
Currently, investigative agencies can only obtain mobile tower-based location data from telecom companies, which is highly approximate and imprecise. In many cases, this incomplete data becomes the biggest hurdle in tracking down criminals. This is why the Cellular Operators Association of India suggested that accurate location data would be possible only if the government made A-GPS technology mandatory for smartphone companies. A-GPS uses both satellite signals and mobile data to provide very accurate location information, with accuracy up to one metre.
The option to turn off location service can also be removed.
If this rule is implemented, users will not be able to turn off location service in their phones. This means that the phone will constantly be sending its location, whether you want it to or not. Google, Apple and Samsung argue that such a mandatory rule would be a serious violation of privacy and should not be implemented.
What is A-GPS surveillance?
A-GPS, or Assisted Global Positioning System, is a technology that uses both satellite and mobile networks to provide your phone with fast and accurate location information. If the government makes it mandatory, your smartphone could become a device that constantly sends real-time location data. With this, not only government agencies but also authorized apps will be able to create the complete location pattern of your activities without your knowledge.
Why should Indian users be worried?
The biggest danger is that the option to turn off location services will disappear, and the warning about location access may also disappear. In such a situation, India could become one of the first countries where continuous surveillance of citizens will become legally possible. If such precise location data is used without proper controls, it can lead to serious problems like stalking, profiling, tracking personal habits and surveillance of people in sensitive positions.
