Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:55pm on 05 Dec 2025,Friday Business
India’s government is reviewing a telecom industry proposal to mandate permanent satellite-based location tracking on smartphones, sparking fierce privacy concerns. Apple, Google, and Samsung strongly oppose the plan, warning it would turn devices into “dedicated surveillance tools.” The Cellular Operators Association of India suggested activating A-GPS technology to provide precise user locations, but critics argue this would be unprecedented globally and a regulatory overreach. The debate follows the Modi government’s recent withdrawal of an order requiring preloaded cyber safety apps after backlash. Privacy advocates stress risks to sensitive groups like military officials and journalists, while experts warn of higher surveillance power and reduced user transparency. (PC: ZDNET)
