First Sanchar Saathi, now mandatory always-on GPS: India’s privacy backslide

First Sanchar Saathi made headlines, now telecom operators want phones to send your GPS location 24/7. Privacy in India seems to be under siege.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Government revoked the forced pre-installation of Sanchar Saathi after backlash. (Reuters)
• Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has proposed that smartphones enable always-on satellite tracking — i.e. constant GPS via A-GPS. (Reuters)
• That would mean users cannot disable location services. (Reuters)
• Major manufacturers like Apple, Google and Samsung have protested the plan, citing serious privacy and security implications. (Reuters)

What this means, Your smartphone may become a permanent tracker, eroding digital privacy.