Apple, Google, Samsung Push Back Against Mandatory Location Tracking In India

Apple, Google and Samsung are said to have objected to a proposal in India that could require smartphones to track user locations at all times. The proposal has raised privacy concerns, and for now, the government has not taken a final call on it. Also Read: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 Development Underway Alongside Galaxy Watch 9: What To Expect

As per a Reuters report, the proposal was submitted in June by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents telecom operators including Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. The proposal suggests that user location data should be shared with authorities only if smartphones support continuous, device-level tracking. Also Read: Always-On Phone Tracking? Apple, Google, Samsung Raises Red Flags

What Is Being Proposed

The report says COAI has suggested integrating satellite-based Assisted GPS (A-GPS) on smartphones in a way that keeps location tracking active at all times. If the plan goes through, authorities would be able to track users with far greater accuracy than existing systems, which currently depend on mobile towers and usually only show an approximate location. Also Read: Apple Reveals 17 Winners Of The 2025 App Store Awards For iPhone, iPad, Mac, Vision Pro: Full List Inside

As per documents reviewed by Reuters, the proposal could also take control away from users. This may include removing the option to switch off location services and doing away with alerts that inform users when telecom operators access their location data. Supporters of the proposal claim this would help in criminal investigations and make it easier to trace stolen or fraudulently used phones.

Smartphone Makers Push Back

According to reports, smartphone makers are not on board with the plan. Industry body India Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), which represents Apple and Google, is said to have sent a confidential letter to the government in July opposing the move. The letter reportedly stated that mandatory, always-on location tracking is not followed in other major markets globally.

Samsung, too, has reportedly advised the government against implementing the proposal. The company has flagged privacy-related issues, including the removal of user consent and possible risks for sensitive groups like journalists, judges and defence personnel.

At present, the proposal is still being discussed. A meeting between government officials and smartphone manufacturers was reportedly planned but later postponed, indicating that no final decision has been taken yet.