Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, S. Krishnan, confirmed the action while responding to questions regarding applications allegedly linked to e-rickshaw-related fraud. He stated on Friday, “There are a couple of apps which came up to our notice yesterday. Both of them have been taken down from the app stores.”
The BAT BMS App, which was reportedly involved in enabling remote interference with the functioning of e-rickshaws, was among the applications removed. According to officials, the move follows growing apprehensions over the exploitation of connected device ecosystems to disrupt vehicle operations and facilitate cyber-enabled fraudulent activities.
In recent days, several e-rickshaw drivers reported sudden stoppages and unexpected operational failures, which were allegedly associated with certain mobile applications. These disruptions not only caused operational instability but also raised significant safety concerns for both drivers and passengers relying on last-mile transport services.
Krishnan further emphasized the responsibility of app distribution platforms in preventing the availability of potentially harmful applications. According to an ANI report, he said that app stores must exercise due diligence to ensure that applications hosted on their platforms do not pose risks to public safety or enable unlawful activities. “The idea is that this is due care that the app stores have to exercise and we will take it up with the app stores to see that possibly damaging apps do not come up,” he added.
The number of electric rickshaws has witnessed rapid growth across India due to their affordability and eco-friendly nature, making them a key component of urban and semi-urban last-mile connectivity. However, the simultaneous expansion of digital services and smartphone usage has increased exposure to potential cyber risks, highlighting the urgent need for stronger safeguards against malicious applications capable of disrupting vehicle systems or enabling fraud.
The removal of the BAT BMS App marks a significant regulatory intervention in the emerging intersection of mobility technology and cybersecurity, underscoring the growing focus on protecting digital infrastructure from misuse.
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