Govt orders Apple, Google to remove 7 apps allegedly misused to disable e-rickshaw batteries, report says – Latest Update | Today’s news
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) today directed Google and Apple to remove seven apps from the Android Play Store and iOS App Store for their alleged misuse in shutting down batteries in e-rickshaws and other vehicles, ANI reported citing sources.
According to sources, the action pertains to apps that were allegedly misused to disable batteries installed in e-rickshaws and vehicles.
Among the applications identified are BAT-BMS, SMART BMS and LOSSIGY, the sources added.
Why did the government call for the removal of these apps?
The action comes after reports over the last few days of sudden stops and operational disruptions faced by e-rickshaw drivers. These apps have reportedly been used to disrupt the functioning of certain e-rickshaws, leading to unexpected interruptions in their operations and raising safety concerns for both drivers and passengers.
The center took serious notice of the issue after complaints surfaced from e-rickshaw operators regarding unexplained malfunctions affecting their vehicles. The alleged misuse of the applications prompted the authorities to investigate the matter and take corrective measures.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary S Krishnan on Friday also explained the issue: “We noticed several apps yesterday. Both were pulled from app stores.”
He further stated that app stores have a responsibility to ensure that apps made available to users do not pose risks to public safety or enable illegal activities.
“The idea is that it’s a due diligence that app stores have to do, and we’ll discuss that with the app stores to see that there aren’t any potentially malicious apps,” he said.
We need stronger protection against malware
India has witnessed rapid growth in the use of electric rickshaws as an affordable and eco-friendly mode of transport, especially for last-mile connectivity in urban and semi-urban areas.
The proliferation of smartphone-based digital services and applications has also increased the need for stronger protection against malware that could compromise vehicles or enable fraud.
Other technical details about how the apps work have not been officially released by the government.
Viral video: Helpless e-rickshaw driver in tears
Notably, the government’s action follows reports circulating on social media where viral videos show pranksters shutting down vehicles in the middle of the road using mobile apps.
One such video features a distressed e-rickshaw driver complaining of hours of forced downtime due to improper use of such apps. He said the rental vehicle was his only source of income.
Widespread use of these tracking apps on Instagram, YouTube, Reddit and X has had disastrous consequences for e-rickshaw drivers and disrupted traffic. According to the HT report, a deactivated e-rickshaw cannot be reactivated unless the action is returned through the app, not the vehicle’s own key.
Speaking to ANI, International Cyber Security Law Commission Chairman Pawan Duggal warned that legal action would be taken against the perpetrators. “It is absolutely clear to me that this is not a game, it is an offense under Section 66 read with Section 43 of the Information Technology Act 2000 as it is an activity which is dishonest or fraudulent where people access the computer system of her e-rickshaw without the consent or knowledge of the owner and which is punishable by 3 years imprisonment and a fine of Rs. ₹5 lakh,” said Duggal.
