Nation

IIE Digital Desk: Allegations of being used illegally to stop or disable e-rickshaws on Indian roads have led the Central government to remove three mobile apps.

The apps listed in order are BAT-BMS, Lossigy, and Epoch-i-on. These devices were initially developed to manage electric vehicle batteries but have been reportedly used to rapidly disable e-rickshaws during travel, leading to significant safety concerns.

According to officials, the apps are Bluetooth-compatible and allow users to track their lithium-ion battery systems. However, their remote access features have been misused so far and e-rickshaws were said to have inadvertently been switched off by smartphone users, causing inconvenience to riders and creating potential road hazards.

The issue became a topic of discussion after several viral videos emerged online showing people approaching e-rickshaws and disabling them through mobile applications. The reports of the incidents caused alarm among authorities, resulting in prompt investigation of these apps and their distribution on major platforms. In response, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) instructed app store managers to take down the identified apps. Government sources also said it has ordered platforms such as the Google Play Store and Apple App Store strengthen reviews mechanisms in order not to make apps listed dangerously in the future.?

The authorities declared that comparable applications used for remote vehicle control would be blocked or eliminated. The move is part of a larger effort to address the cybersecurity and safety risks associated with emerging technologies in connected vehicles.

The security of battery management systems in low-cost electric vehicles, particularly e-rickshaws, has been called into question by transport and cybersecurity experts. Why? The exploitation of such apps has been linked to both weak authentication and open Bluetooth pairing. However,

India's electric mobility industry has been prompted by the situation to emphasize the importance of enhanced digital security. Officials are expected to work closely with app developers and manufacturers to ensure that vehicle systems are protected from unauthorized access, which is an important step in the removal order's efforts to reduce risks on the road.