E-rickshaw shutdown prank: Centre tells Google, Apple to remove 7 apps from their stores
NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on Friday issued notices to Google Android and Apple iOS, directing them to remove seven battery management applications from their app stores over concerns that they were being misused to remotely shut down batteries in e-rickshaws and other electric vehicles, sources said.The apps include BAT-BMS, SMART BMS and LOSSIGY, among others, which officials said were allegedly being used to disable battery-operated vehicles through Bluetooth connectivity.The move comes after the Centre ordered Google and Apple to remove three Chinese battery management apps: BAT-BMS, Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion following reports and viral videos showing e-rickshaws being remotely switched off, leaving drivers stranded. The government has warned that any app found to be facilitating remote interference with battery-operated vehicles will also face action.Speaking earlier, MeitY Secretary S Krishnan had confirmed that the issue had come to the government’s notice. He said two such applications had already been taken down from app stores and added that the government would continue engaging with app platforms to ensure potentially harmful applications were not available for public use. Officials explained that battery management system (BMS) apps are designed to monitor battery parameters such as voltage, current, charging status and temperature. However, in poorly secured battery systems, the same interface can allegedly be used to control power output and remotely stop battery discharge. The risk is considered higher in low-cost battery packs that allow Bluetooth access without password protection or proper authentication.The issue has sparked concern among e-rickshaw drivers, many of whom operate rented vehicles and depend on daily earnings. Videos circulating on social media showed vehicles being remotely disabled, leaving drivers stranded and unable to continue their work for several hours.The government said the matter is under close watch and similar applications are being examined. MeitY has also asked app platforms to strengthen due diligence for connected-device applications that could affect public safety.The latest move comes against the backdrop of the Centre’s broader crackdown on Chinese-linked applications. Since 2020, the government has banned several hundred apps over concerns related to national security, data protection and financial fraud. However, officials said the battery management app case represents a different kind of threat, involving the potential misuse of connected devices to disrupt vehicles and affect public safety and livelihoods.
