Government Directs App Stores to Remove Three Apps
The Indian government has directed the removal of three mobile applications—BAT-BMS, Epoch-i-ion, and Lossigy—from Android and iOS platforms following allegations that they were misused to disrupt e-rickshaw operations. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued the directive on Friday, citing concerns over public safety and unlawful interference with electric rickshaws.
According to government sources, the action was prompted by reports over the past few days of sudden stoppages and operational disruptions faced by e-rickshaw drivers. These applications were allegedly used to interfere with the functioning of certain e-rickshaws, leading to unexpected interruptions that raised safety concerns for both drivers and passengers.
MeitY Secretary Confirms Takedown
Secretary of MeitY, S Krishnan, confirmed the development on Friday, stating, "There are a couple of apps which came up to our notice yesterday. Both of them have been taken down from the app stores." He emphasized that app stores have a responsibility to ensure that applications available to users do not pose risks to public safety or facilitate 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," Krishnan added. The government has not disclosed further technical details about how the apps functioned or the specific vulnerabilities they exploited.
Background of E-Rickshaw Disruptions
India has witnessed rapid growth in the use of electric rickshaws as an affordable and environmentally friendly mode of transport, particularly for last-mile connectivity in urban and semi-urban areas. The expansion of digital services and smartphone-based applications has also increased the need for stronger safeguards against malicious software that could compromise vehicles or enable fraud.
The Centre took serious note of the issue after complaints emerged from e-rickshaw operators regarding unexplained disruptions affecting their vehicles. The alleged misuse of the applications prompted authorities to examine the matter and take corrective action. The government has not officially disclosed further technical details about the functioning of the applications, but the move underscores growing concerns over cybersecurity in the transportation sector.
