E-Rickshaws Under Cyber Attack: Government Removes Dangerous Apps

Imagine driving your vehicle down a busy street when it suddenly stops working for no reason. This is not a mechanical failure or a dead battery. Instead, it is a new kind of threat involving mobile apps and bad intentions. Recently, reports surfaced in India showing that certain e-rickshaws could be turned off remotely by strangers using their smartphones. This frightening trend has caused chaos for drivers and raised serious questions about technology safety.

What Happened?

Viral videos started appearing on social media, showing people using an app to cut the power to e-rickshaws while they were moving. These videos claimed that an app called BAT-BMS could connect to the battery systems of these vehicles. By simply tapping a button on a phone, the pranksters or criminals could force the vehicle to shut down, leaving drivers stranded in the middle of traffic. This is not just a nuisance; it is a dangerous act that could lead to accidents and injuries on the road.

Government Takes Quick Action

As these videos spread across the internet, the government took immediate notice. S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), confirmed that officials identified two specific apps used for this purpose. Both applications have been removed from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. The government has also made it clear that they will work with app store operators to ensure that apps capable of causing public harm are checked more carefully before they are made public.

Real-World Consequences

This is not just an online problem; it has real-world victims. In Ujjain, a man was arrested for using such an app to extort money from e-rickshaw drivers. He would shut down their vehicles and demand payment to turn them back on. Similarly, drivers in Delhi and Moradabad have reported being left stranded. These incidents highlight why we must take digital security seriously, even for everyday vehicles.

There’s more to life than simply increasing its speed.

By Udaipur Freelancer

Stay Safe and Informed

The move to remove these apps is a positive step toward public safety. However, this situation serves as a wake-up call for everyone using smart technology in their vehicles. Cybersecurity is no longer just for computers and bank accounts. When our transport systems become "smart" and connected to the internet, they also become targets for those who wish to cause trouble. As the government continues to investigate these claims, we should all remain cautious about the technology we interact with on our phones.