Government Moves to Remove Chinese Apps Behind Delhi E-Rickshaw Shutdowns

Following allegations of their abuse to deactivate e-rickshaws in Delhi, the centre has mandated the withdrawal of two mobile applications, BAT BMS and Epoch Li-ion, from the Android Play Store and the Apple App Store. Bluetooth-enabled battery management programmes like BAT BMS and Epoch Li-ion make it easy to remotely deactivate lithium-ion batteries.

Some people are using these apps as a "prank" to disable e-rickshaws that are in motion. Indian government agency MEITY has now mandated the removal of the two applications. In an interview with a news outlet, MeitY Secretary S Krishnan stated that the government will address this matter with app stores to prevent possibly dangerous apps from being released to the public.

Why Govt Decides to Take Down Apps?

Electric rickshaws, or tirris as they are known locally, may be remotely turned off using Chinese smartphone apps. Just launch the app, pair one's phone with the closest battery using Bluetooth, and flip the discharge switch to begin. The vehicle can be turned off with the touch of a finger.

This leaves the rider bewildered and unable to continue. The only way for the driver to start the e-rickshaw is to turn it back on using the same app. What some may see as a harmless joke becomes a living nightmare for e-rickshaw drivers when it causes their vehicle to come to a complete halt in the middle of the road. A disturbing footage of a distraught rider whose vehicle has been disabled by an unknown person has gone viral on Instagram. Unless his vehicle gets started up again, he will not be able to drive to work.

On the contrary, he is going to waste his entire day's salary attempting to have the vehicle serviced by a nearby mechanic. While the new software is convenient, not all drivers have smartphones or the technical knowledge to use it. In a confirmation of the center's action, Krishnan stated, "It is right." He went on to say that the center had taken down two apps that had come to their attention yesterday.

Delhi Government Coming into Action

A high-ranking source in the Delhi government has stated that the app's primary function is to provide real-time monitoring of battery characteristics, including voltage, temperature, and current. On the other hand, systems without proper authentication could abuse their control features. No authentication or password is required, according to the official.

The outcome is that it's simple to reduce the engine output and bring the vehicle to a stop suddenly. Due to this vulnerability, cellphones can act as a "kill switch", endangering e-rickshaws, their passengers, and drivers. According to experts, this instance serves as a clear warning about the potential for inexpensive equipment to become a more significant technological risk. In certain instances, drivers have been able to escape the situation due to the humanity of strangers.