Government Blocks Apps Used to Remotely Disable E-Rickshaw Batteries

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has ordered Google and Apple to remove seven mobile applications from their stores following a wave of cyber-interference targeting e-rickshaw batteries. These apps, which included platforms identified as BAT-BMS and SMART BMS, allowed unauthorized users to hack into battery management systems. This resulted in the remote, forced shutdown of vehicles, causing significant traffic disruptions and widespread safety concerns across various Indian cities. The government’s move is a direct response to complaints from drivers regarding operational disruptions and financial losses.

These incidents highlight critical security gaps in the firmware and connectivity features of certain aftermarket battery management systems. Many e-rickshaws, which serve as essential short-distance public transport, rely on non-standardized digital components that lack robust encryption and authentication protocols. Malicious actors exploited these weak digital interfaces to gain remote access, essentially turning off vehicles while they were in transit. The lack of stringent security standards for these IoT-enabled transport components has effectively created an easy entry point for digital vandalism and pranksters.

The directive signifies a stricter approach by MeitY in regulating software that manages critical public infrastructure and commercial assets. While the app stores have begun removal orders, the situation has forced manufacturers and developers to face heightened pressure to implement secure authentication and regular firmware updates. Regulatory experts anticipate that this action will force all future developers in the transport sector to comply with rigorous safety and security audits before products are permitted on digital platforms. The government continues to monitor the situation to safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of drivers who depend on these vehicles for daily income.