India Considers New Surveillance Measure Requiring iPhone A-GPS to Stay Active 24/7
The Indian government is considering a new surveillance measure that would require iPhones to keep their Assisted GPS (A-GPS) function active at all times. This move comes shortly after India abandoned its controversial mandate that required all smartphones to preload a state-run “security” app. The new proposal could spark an even larger privacy debate across the country.
The A-GPS system helps devices determine their location more quickly and accurately by combining satellite signals with data from nearby cell towers and Wi-Fi networks. By mandating that this feature remain active 24/7 on iPhones, authorities would be able to track users’ locations continuously. This raises significant concerns about personal privacy and data security, especially given the sensitive nature of constant location monitoring.
Potential Privacy Implications of India’s New Surveillance Proposal
If implemented, this new surveillance measure would mark a major shift in how smartphone users’ data is handled in India. Keeping A-GPS active at all times means that users’ movements could be monitored without interruption. This could lead to increased government oversight and control over individuals’ daily activities.
The proposal follows India’s recent withdrawal of its earlier directive requiring a state-run security app to be pre-installed on all smartphones sold in the country. That earlier mandate had already drawn criticism from privacy advocates and technology companies alike. Now, with the government considering a new rule focused on location tracking, concerns about user privacy are likely to intensify.
India Considers New Surveillance: What This Means for iPhone Users
For iPhone users in India, the potential requirement to keep A-GPS active 24/7 would have significant consequences. Many users disable location services or adjust settings to protect their privacy and conserve battery life. This new rule would limit their ability to control these features.
The government’s interest in enforcing continuous location tracking reflects its broader goal of enhancing national security and surveillance capabilities. However, this approach may come at the cost of individual privacy rights. As India considers new surveillance measures, the debate over balancing security and privacy is expected to grow more intense.
In summary, India’s consideration of a new surveillance measure requiring iPhone A-GPS to stay active around the clock signals a possible escalation in government monitoring efforts. This development follows the recent abandonment of the state-run security app mandate and could lead to significant privacy challenges for smartphone users across the country. The ongoing discussions highlight the complex trade-offs between security needs and personal privacy in today’s digital world.
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Source: original article.