Amnesty Raises Alarm Over India’s Plan for Always-On Phone Tracking
Amnesty International has criticised India’s consideration of a telecom industry proposal that would require always-on satellite location tracking on mobile phones, calling the idea “deeply concerning” and a threat to the safety of human rights defenders.
Surveillance Push Sparks Concern
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has long pressed telecom operators to provide more accurate location details of individuals under investigation. To achieve this, telecom firms have urged authorities to compel smartphone manufacturers to permanently activate tracking features on all devices. Reuters reported on Friday that the government is currently reviewing this proposal.
However, global technology firms including Apple, Google and Samsung have voiced strong opposition. They argue that such measures would endanger users’ privacy and compromise device security.
Amnesty Warns of Privacy Risks
In a statement to Reuters, Amnesty International stressed that location data can be “incredibly revealing,” potentially exposing personal networks and professional connections. This could include sensitive meetings between journalists, activists and their confidential sources.
“This is deeply concerning,” Amnesty said. “At a time when surveillance scandals are a mushrooming global threat, states should be improving safeguards, not forcing people to reveal even more sensitive data.”
Officials from India’s IT and Home Ministries, who are evaluating the plan, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Monday amid growing backlash.
Past Controversies and Public Outcry
Amnesty has previously condemned India’s surveillance practices, including allegations of Pegasus spyware being used against journalists and activists — claims the Modi government has consistently denied.
Last week, privacy debates flared after Reuters revealed a separate directive requiring smartphone makers to preinstall a state-run cyber safety app on all new devices. Following public outrage from activists and opposition leaders, the government withdrew the order.
“Why are we out to convert India into a ‘Surveillance State’?” asked senior Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala on X, as thousands of Indian users echoed his concerns. Some likened the proposed tracking system to turning mobile phones into “digital ankle monitors.”
with inputs from Reuters