India’s government has once again stirred controversy in the tech world with proposals that could transform everyday smartphones into tools for pervasive monitoring. Just days after backing away from a mandate to preload a state-owned cybersecurity app on all new devices, officials are now weighing a plan to require always-on satellite location tracking, with no option for users to disable it. This move, detailed in a recent Reuters report, has drawn sharp rebukes from major players like Apple, Google, and Samsung, who argue it undermines user privacy and turns devices into constant surveillance instruments. The proposal stems from a telecom industry suggestion aimed at aiding law enforcement, but critics see it as part of a broader pattern of expanding state oversight in one of the world’s largest smartphone markets.

The plan under review would compel manufacturers to enable satellite-based location services—such as Assisted GPS (A-GPS)—permanently, ensuring authorities can pinpoint user locations with high precision at any time. According to documents and sources cited in the Reuters piece, this is framed as a measure to enhance public safety and combat crime, including theft and emergencies. However, tech giants have pushed back vigorously, warning in emails and meetings that such requirements could expose users to security risks and violate privacy norms. Apple, for instance, has highlighted 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 isn’t the first time India has flirted with such intrusive policies. Earlier this month, the telecom ministry issued a directive requiring smartphone makers to preinstall the Sanchar Saathi app—a government-developed tool for reporting lost devices and blocking spam—on all new phones, making it undeletable. The order, as reported by The New York Times, sparked immediate outcry 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. Al Jazeera noted that the government rescinded the order following criticism that it infringed on user rights, with Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia clarifying that the app would now be optional. This climbdown, detailed in updates from DW, marked a rare policy retreat for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which has increasingly prioritized digital security amid rising cyber threats. Yet, the episode underscored 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 joined Apple and Google in protesting, arguing in submissions to Indian officials that this could conflict with international privacy laws and deter foreign investment. Sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters that the companies fear this could set off a chain reaction, where other nations adopt similar measures, complicating global supply chains.

Privacy advocates have been even more vocal, drawing parallels to authoritarian surveillance models. Posts on X, formerly Twitter, reflect widespread alarm among users and experts. One prominent thread highlighted how such policies could enable “digital dictatorship,” granting authorities access to personal data like emails and social media during investigations. Another post warned of a “surveillance regime” under Modi, citing past 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.

Historical Context and Evolving Regulations

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, for example, required social media platforms to trace message origins, a move challenged in courts for violating privacy. More recently, the Income Tax Bill 2025 expanded officials’ powers to access electronic records, including WhatsApp chats and location data, during audits—a development decried on X as a “dangerous precedent” for personal freedoms.

The Sanchar Saathi app itself emerged from the 2023 Telecommunications Act, designed to curb fraud and device theft. As The Independent reported, 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, per 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 push builds on these foundations, targeting satellite systems like A-GPS for “precise user locations,” according to The Economic Times. Proponents argue it’s 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, in discussions on X, have speculated that lawsuits could follow if the plan advances, testing the boundaries of state power in the digital age.

Industry Impacts and Global Repercussions

For smartphone manufacturers, complying with these rules poses logistical nightmares. Apple, which has invested heavily in India as a manufacturing hub, faces a “policy clash,” as noted by Technology.org. The company has long resisted backdoors in its ecosystem, and sources indicate it may lobby harder or even threaten to scale back operations. Google and Samsung, dominant in Android devices, 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’s courting them to diversify from China. The market, with over 800 million smartphone users, is a prize, but regulations like these could slow growth. A iPhone in Canada report 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 even rooting devices to bypass restrictions, signaling a potential black market for unmodified phones.

Internationally, India’s moves are watched closely. 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 elsewhere, from Southeast Asia to Europe, where debates over data sovereignty rage. Yet, supporters within India’s telecom sector, as per the Reuters documents, insist it’s a necessary evolution for a nation grappling with rising cybercrimes, including ransomware attacks that have hit critical infrastructure.

Voices from the Ground and Future Trajectories

User sentiment, as gleaned from X posts, reveals a mix of resignation and outrage. One viral thread from a cybersecurity expert decried 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 the Financial Times’ 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, meanwhile, 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. For now, the 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 rippling far beyond India’s borders.