Centre Cracks Down on E-Rickshaw Apps

The Central Government has taken action against three Chinese mobile applications that were allegedly being used to remotely shut down e-rickshaws through smartphones. The government directed Apple App Store and Google Play Store to remove the apps after videos showing e-rickshaws being switched off in the middle of roads went viral on social media.

According to preliminary findings, apps such as BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch Li-ion interact with the Battery Management System (BMS) of e-rickshaws. Due to the absence of proper password protection and security authentication, anyone within Bluetooth range could reportedly access the system and disable the vehicle remotely. Following complaints over these security vulnerabilities, the Centre initiated action to remove the applications from digital app stores.