Two applications linked to reports of remotely disabling e-rickshaws have been removed from app stores
The government has ordered the removal of three smartphone applications that were allegedly being misused to remotely disable battery-operated vehicles, according to government sources quoted by news agency PTI.The apps have been ordered to be taken down after reports surfaced that they were being used to remotely shut down e-rickshaws by connecting to their battery management systems through Bluetooth.Speaking on the sidelines of a CII Cybersecurity Summit earlier on Friday, IT secretary S Krishnan confirmed that action had been taken after the apps came to the government’s notice.“That is right…there are a couple of apps, which came to our notice yesterday and both of them have been taken down from the app stores,” Krishnan had said, as per PTI.Government sources later told PTI that removal orders had been issued for three apps — BAT-BMS, Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion.
Govt asks app stores to exercise greater scrutiny
Krishnan also stressed that app stores must exercise due diligence before allowing applications on their platforms and said the government would take up the issue with them to ensure potentially harmful apps are not made available.The issue gained widespread attention after videos circulated on social media claiming that some e-rickshaws were being remotely shut down through smartphone applications linked to Bluetooth-enabled battery management systems.The videos raised concerns over the cybersecurity risks associated with internet-connected vehicle management systems.The Delhi government has also asked its transport department to verify the authenticity of the BAT-BMS application and investigate claims that it can remotely disable e-rickshaws through Bluetooth connectivity.Transport minister Pankaj Singh said officials had been directed to examine the matter after complaints were brought to the department’s notice, although no formal written complaint had been submitted.
How the apps allegedly work
Preliminary findings by government officials suggest the applications allow users to wirelessly connect to Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries within a limited range.While such applications are designed to monitor battery parameters such as voltage, temperature and current, officials believe they have been misused to disrupt battery-operated vehicles.Officials also pointed out that many budget e-rickshaws in India use Chinese-manufactured Battery Management Systems (BMS) with limited security features. These systems often lack password protection or authentication, making it possible for nearby users to connect through Bluetooth and disable the battery’s power output.BAT-BMS was developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology in China’s Shenzhen province as a battery management tool that enables users to monitor battery health and remotely manage compatible lithium batteries.However, its remote-control functionality has reportedly been exploited in India by connecting to unsecured battery systems installed in some electric vehicles.Several viral videos showed users switching off the battery’s discharge function through these applications, leaving e-rickshaws stranded, in some cases in the middle of the road.Some drivers reportedly claimed they had to pay strangers to help restart their vehicles after being targeted.
