India weighs telecom push for always-on satellite tracking in phones

India’s government is examining a telecom industry proposal that would force smartphone makers to keep satellite-based location tracking permanently switched on, according to Reuters. The review comes just after New Delhi backed away from a separate order that would have required manufacturers to pre-install its Sanchar Saathi cyber safety app on all new devices following public criticism.

The latest idea from telecom operators is framed as a way to improve safety and network services, but it is likely to trigger fresh debate over digital surveillance, data security and user privacy. The government has not made a decision yet and details of how such a system would work, what data would be collected, and who could access it remain unclear.