The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed Google and Apple to remove seven applications, including BAT-BMS, SMART BMS and LOSSIGY, from their respective app stores over alleged misuse that could enable batteries in e-rickshaws and other vehicles to be remotely shut down, sources told NDTV.
The notice was issued to Google Android and Apple iOS app stores following concerns that the apps could be used to disrupt the functioning of battery management systems in electric vehicles, the sources said.
Earlier MeitY Secretary S Krishnan said at the CII Cybersecurity Summit said that two applications linked to e-rickshaws were removed after concerns emerged over vehicles being remotely disabled.
ALSO READ: Govt Cracks Down: Two Apps Linked To Remote E-Rickshaw Shutdowns Removed Amid BAT BMS Row
The development comes after the BAT-BMS app triggered alarm among e-rickshaw drivers and dealers in Delhi. The app, designed to monitor battery parameters such as voltage, temperature and current, was reportedly also capable of cutting power to vehicles over Bluetooth. Videos circulating online showed users pairing with nearby e-rickshaw batteries and disabling the discharge function, potentially leaving drivers stranded.
Krishnan told NDTV Profit that the government will take up this issue with the app stores to ensure damaging applications don’t come up in the public domain.
Posts on ‘X’ from netizens depicting the application BAT-BMS, gained widespread prominence on Wednesday. According to reports, the Chinese application can allegedly switch on and switch of e-rickshaws through the use of Bluetooth.
Other users stated that the app works by connecting with an e-rickshaw’s battery and then cutting off the vehicle’s access to power from it. The Lallantop clarified that BAT-BMS cannot shut down auto rickshaws via a simple Bluetooth connection and that it requires a unique ID from each battery which needs to be entered in order for users to connect to it.
BMS is the acronym used to describe the battery management system which handles all the fundamentals revolving around the battery pack, such as voltage, current and temperature.
Netizens also warned against using such an application as it may adversely affect the livelihood of e-rickshaw drivers and cause danger on the roads.
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