The central government has issued a notice to Google and Apple to remove 7 apps that tamper with the batteries of e-rickshaws and electric vehicles. Find out how these apps used to put drivers in trouble.
Chinese Apps Banned: Recently, many videos of e-rickshaw stopping on the road suddenly went viral on social media. Now the veil has been lifted from this mystery. The Union government’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has issued a clear order to Google and Apple to remove 7 battery management apps from their app stores with immediate effect that are being misused.
How did this gang work?
According to officials, some Chinese apps (such as BAT-BMS, Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion) interacted directly with the e-rickshaw’s battery through Bluetooth connectivity. In the rickshaws that did not have a security password, these apps used to discharge the battery or cut off the power while sitting at a distance. As a result, the rickshaw pullers were stranded and lost their daily earnings.
A stern warning from the government
The government has warned that any app that allows remote manipulation of battery-powered vehicles will be prosecuted. Earlier, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan confirmed that the matter has come to the attention of the government. He said two such apps have already been removed from app stores and the government will work with app platforms to ensure that potentially harmful apps are not available for public use.
Officials said the Battery Management System (BMS) app is designed to monitor battery parameters such as voltage, current, charging status and temperature.
Officials further said that in low-security battery systems, the same interface can be used to control power output and prevent battery discharge remotely.
The vulnerability is most prevalent in cheap battery packs that provide Bluetooth access without password protection or proper authentication, officials said.
The government has said it is closely monitoring the matter and investigating other similar applications. MeitY has also asked app platforms to strengthen the vetting required for connected-device apps, as it could affect public safety.
