Australian Federal Government security agencies are closely monitoring developments in India, where mobile carriers are pushing for a major shift in how individuals’ locations are tracked.

The Indian Government is currently reviewing a proposal that would dramatically expand access to precise phone-location data for investigative purposes—a move already facing strong resistance from major smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Google, and Samsung.

According to reports, telecom operators have asked the government to mandate continuous satellite-based tracking on all smartphones. This would involve permanently enabling A-GPS on devices, removing any option for users to disable location services. Carriers argue that current systems, which rely largely on tower-based data, do not provide the accurate coordinates required by government departments.

The proposal has sparked immediate and forceful objections from device makers, who warn that such a system has no global precedent and could pose serious risks to individuals who handle confidential or sensitive information. Internal industry communications referenced by Indian media highlight concerns about privacy, security, and broader societal implications.

The issue has become even more contentious following the recent reversal of a government directive that would have required a state-run app to be installed on smartphones—scrapped after criticism from civil groups and political leaders. Meanwhile, ministries studying the new tracking proposal have not made public comments, and a planned high-level meeting with smartphone executives has reportedly been postponed.

Experts interviewed by Reuters cautioned that permanent, device-level tracking could effectively turn every smartphone into a monitoring tool, raising questions about proportionality and long-term impact. Technology analysts noted that such systems could theoretically locate individuals with near-meter accuracy, intensifying debates around surveillance limits.

Experts interviewed by the outlet warned that constant, device-level tracing could effectively convert every handset into a monitoring tool, raising questions about proportionality and long-term impact. Technology researchers also pointed out that the capability could theoretically pinpoint users to within a meter, intensifying the debate over surveillance boundaries.

With more than 735 million smartphones in the country and Android commanding over 95 percent of the market, any new rule would have widespread consequences. The broader discussion now focuses on whether stronger investigative capabilities justify altering existing user expectations around control and transparency.

The stakes are significant: India has more than 735 million smartphones in circulation, with Android devices making up over 95 per cent of the market. Any new policy would therefore have sweeping national consequences.

In Australia, the debate over digital control is also gaining momentum. This week, the Federal Government will activate its ban on social media use by teenagers under 16. However, many remain sceptical about enforcement, with research indicating that most parents are unlikely to intervene. Communications Minister Anika Wells, responsible for overseeing the rollout, is relying on cooperation from global social media platforms to effectively restrict underage users.

As India considers enhanced location tracking and Australia moves to limit youth engagement online, both countries are confronting fundamental questions about privacy, oversight, and the expanding reach of digital regulation.