Following social media videos showing e-rickshaws suddenly stopping, the Centre has directed app stores to remove two apps
The move includes Chinese BAT-BMS platform, over fears that these apps could remotely disable lithium battery vehicles
MeitY Secretary S Krishnan said the apps were taken down promptly and stressed that app marketplaces must exercise stronger oversight to prevent such risks
India Removes Apps Responsible For Abruptly Shutting Down E-Rickshaws
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary S Krishnan confirmed that action had been taken after the applications came to the government's attention
Apps Turning Off E-Rickshaws Abruptly AI generated representative image
Summary
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The Centre has directed the removal of two mobile applications, including the Chinese BAT-BMS app, from major app stores after reports alleged that they could be used to remotely disable lithium battery-powered e-rickshaws.
The move follows growing concerns over cybersecurity risks after videos circulating on social media appeared to show e-rickshaws being abruptly rendered inoperable.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Secretary S Krishnan confirmed that action had already been taken after the applications came to the government's attention, as per news agency PTI.
"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," said Krishnan on the sidelines of a CII Cybersecurity Summit on Friday.
App marketplaces have a responsibility to conduct greater scrutiny before hosting applications and indicated that the government would engage with app store operators to ensure potentially harmful applications are not made available, he added, as per PTI.
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