Amnesty Raises Concerns Over India's Location-Tracking Proposal

India's government is evaluating a telecom industry push to mandate permanent satellite-based location tracking on all smartphones, enabling more accurate data for lawful investigations beyond current cell tower limits. Telecom operators like those in COAI argue this addresses gaps in tracking suspects, but Amnesty International warns it could reveal sensitive personal and professional ties, endangering journalists' sources and activists. Major tech firms—Apple, Google, Samsung—privately resist, citing unprecedented privacy and security risks, including for military and judicial users. This follows a retracted order for pre-installing a state cyber safety app, fueling broader surveillance debates under PM Modi's administration, which denies past spyware misuse like Pegasus.​

 

The proposal highlights tensions between security needs and rights protections, with no official response yet from IT or Home Ministries.​

 

Key Highlights

Sources: Reuters, Economic Times, Channel News Asia.​