News in Short

• The government has directed app stores to remove apps misused to remotely disable e-rickshaws.
• The move follows viral videos showing pranksters shutting down vehicles using mobile apps.
• The apps were originally designed to monitor battery management systems (BMS).
• One of the apps reportedly has more than one lakh downloads.
• Authorities are also planning stricter checks on similar apps in the future.

The government has moved to protect e-rickshaw owners after viral videos showed pranksters remotely shutting down vehicles using mobile apps. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has directed app stores to remove apps that people misused to disrupt e-rickshaw operations. The move aims to improve safety and prevent further misuse of battery management tools.

The apps originally helped users monitor electric vehicle batteries. However, some users exploited them to remotely disconnect power in select e-rickshaws.

Why Did the Government Step In?

Over the past few days, prank videos flooded social media. The clips showed people remotely switching off moving e-rickshaws with smartphone apps.

The videos quickly raised concerns among drivers and passengers. Many questioned how battery monitoring apps could interfere with a vehicle’s operation.

Following the incident, MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan confirmed that the government directed app stores to remove the apps. He also urged app marketplaces to exercise greater caution before approving similar applications.

In addition, the government plans to work with platform operators to stop harmful apps from reaching users in the future.

How Were These Apps Misused?

Developers originally created these apps to connect with an e-rickshaw’s Battery Management System (BMS).

They allowed users to monitor battery health, charging status, and temperature through Bluetooth.

However, reports suggest that one app also allowed users to remotely disconnect the battery supply in select China-made e-rickshaws.

As a result, pranksters used the app to stop vehicles without the driver’s permission.

One App Remains Available

Government officials said app stores had removed the apps. However, reports indicate that one app remained available on both the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store when the report was published.

The China-based company Shenzhen Grenergy Technology developed one of the apps. According to reports, it has crossed one lakh downloads on Google Play.

Even if app stores remove it later, Android users may still download its APK from third-party websites. That makes complete removal more difficult.

Why This Matters for E-Rickshaw Owners

For many drivers, an e-rickshaw is their primary source of income.

A vehicle shutting down unexpectedly can interrupt trips, delay passengers, and reduce daily earnings. It can also create safety risks on busy roads.

The government’s action offers much-needed relief. It also reassures drivers that authorities are taking the issue seriously.

Could Misusing These Apps Lead to Legal Action?

Cybersecurity experts believe so.

According to reports, anyone who intentionally uses such apps to interfere with another person’s vehicle could face action under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Legal experts say unauthorized access or disruption of another person’s digital system may attract penalties under existing cyber laws.

What Happens Next?

The government will continue working with app store operators to identify and remove similar apps.

Authorities may also ask battery management system developers to strengthen security. Better authentication could prevent unauthorized users from accessing vehicle controls.

For e-rickshaw owners, this is a welcome step. However, the incident also highlights the need for stronger cybersecurity in connected electric vehicles as India rapidly adopts EVs.perators to identify and remove applications that could pose security risks.

At the same time, manufacturers of battery management systems may face greater scrutiny over how their apps authenticate users and control critical vehicle functions.

For e-rickshaw owners, the latest action offers some relief. However, the episode also serves as a reminder that connected vehicles need stronger digital safeguards to prevent misuse in the future.