Government removes two e-rickshaw shutdown apps from stores
Amid reports that e-rickshaws could be remotely shut down through a Chinese smartphone application, the government has confirmed that two such apps have been identified and removed from app stores. IT Secretary S. Krishnan stated on Friday that app stores must exercise due diligence and that the government will take up the matter to ensure potentially harmful apps are not available.
Speaking on the sidelines of a CII Cybersecurity summit, Krishnan said, '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.'
The issue drew public attention on Thursday after videos surfaced on social media showing e-rickshaws being shut down allegedly using the Chinese mobile application BAT-BMS. The videos sparked widespread concerns over cybersecurity risks posed by internet-connected vehicle management systems.
Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said the government is looking into the matter. A video of an e-rickshaw driver named Naseem was also shared, highlighting the impact on drivers.
