The Indian government has mandated the removal of three mobile apps—BAT-BMS, Epoch-i-ion, and Lossigy—from Android and iOS stores after they were reportedly used to disrupt e-rickshaw operations, threatening the safety of drivers and passengers.
- Three apps removed due to alleged misuse causing e-rickshaw disruptions
- Ministry of Electronics and IT coordinates removal with app stores
- Action aims to safeguard drivers and passengers from safety risks
What happened
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in India ordered the removal of three specific mobile applications—BAT-BMS, Epoch-i-ion, and Lossigy—from major app stores on Android and iOS platforms. These apps were reportedly being used to cause sudden stoppages and operational interruptions in e-rickshaw services across the country.
This directive follows complaints from e-rickshaw drivers citing unexplained disruptions that posed safety risks. Authorities investigated and concluded that these mobile applications enabled misuse that interfered with vehicle functions, prompting the government to intervene proactively.
Why it matters
E-rickshaws have become a critical and eco-friendly mode of transportation in Indian cities and semi-urban areas, offering accessible last-mile connectivity. Disruptions to their operation affect both daily commuters and the livelihood of drivers relying on these vehicles for income.
The incident underscores the growing challenges of regulating digital tools tied to physical infrastructure. Ensuring that app stores do not host software capable of causing harm or facilitating illegal activity is essential for public safety and maintaining trust in emerging transport technologies.
What to watch next
The Ministry of Electronics and IT plans to continue working with app stores to monitor and prevent the availability of apps that might pose similar risks in the future. This includes establishing stronger oversight mechanisms around apps that interface with vehicle systems or critical transport infrastructure.