I have this tendency to keep location services off as much as possible. However, at certain times I do use it optimally like when I book a ride to travel somewhere. I understand that the service needs my location to be as precise as possible, and I'm aware that I should consciously choose to share my location. And do I turn off location after I'm done using the service? Of course I do.

The thing is, you see, I was trying to buy coffee chocolate. The shopkeeper had already handed me the coffee when I went to scan the QR code, but I was blocked by a dialog asking me to enable location. Well, that kept my mobile loading for quite a while. Anyway, I enabled location, and after a second it just switched off. Last I remember checking, my battery was at 2%.

Yes, I get that my smartphone couldn't handle the service; it's mostly a hardware issue. The battery was down, so I got concerned it couldn't handle the load, and naturally I blamed the service. It could have been easy, however, I was stuck with this location permission prompt. What does that have to do with eSewa requiring users to share their location for transactions, right? It was because of this scenario that I got a little bit concerned. Well, not exactly, but you know, a little bit. What's the word for that? Hmmm... Anyway, I went out to let out my frustration about this.

After connecting this situation with eSewa's service requirements, I did what any modern men would do—I asked AI. Here's some intriguing stuff that I'd like to share (feel free to check the official terms and conditions yourself. I mean, it's your privacy;be a little concerned to some extent, or just ask AI). This is what AI said in short, in 4 points:

Why eSewa Needs Location (The 4 Main Points)

Security: To confirm it's actually you making the payment and not a hacker in another city.

QR Safety: To verify you are physically at the shop when scanning a QR code to prevent scams.

Legal Rules: To follow Nepal Rastra Bank rules that require a record of where money is sent.

Local Services: To show you the nearest eSewa Agents or local billers (like your local water office).

Am I satisfied with this? No. Do I find it acceptable as a security measure from a user's point of view? Definitely not. Still, when that location permission dialog pops up, I don't fight it. I just tap 'Turn on' and accept my place in this system.

I believe that transparency and mutual accountability should go hand in hand. I intend to share my privacy and trust with the services I use, they should make things easier for me and adapt to what happens, not force me to change for them.