What is BAT-BMS app? Chinese app banned in India for creating trouble on Indian roads by ...

The Centre has cracked down on two mobile applications linked to e-rickshaw battery management after concerns emerged that they could be misused to remotely disable vehicles. The action follows reports that the BAT-BMS app was being used to connect to nearby e-rickshaw batteries over Bluetooth and switch off their power, leaving drivers stranded in the middle of the road.

Speaking at the CII Cybersecurity Summit, MeitY Secretary S Krishnan confirmed that two such applications had been removed after authorities examined the issue.

The controversy began after several videos went viral on social media showing users pairing their smartphones with nearby e-rickshaw batteries using the BAT-BMS app. The videos claimed the app could remotely disable battery discharge, preventing the vehicle from moving.

Several e-rickshaw drivers in Delhi also alleged that their vehicles stopped unexpectedly and could not be restarted immediately, affecting their daily earnings.

BAT-BMS is a battery management application developed by Shenzhen Greenenergy Technology. It is designed to connect with compatible smart lithium batteries via Bluetooth, allowing users to monitor battery voltage, temperature, charging status and other parameters. Some supported battery models also include remote power control features.

Cyber law expert Pawan Duggal, Chairman of the International Commission on Cybersecurity Law, said using such an app to interfere with someone else's e-rickshaw without permission may amount to a cyber offence under the Information Technology Act, 2000.

According to Duggal, if a person accesses or tampers with the computer system of an e-rickshaw without the owner's consent and with dishonest or fraudulent intent, it could attract provisions under Section 66 read with Section 43 of the IT Act.

He said such offences may carry punishment of up to three years' imprisonment, along with a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh, depending on the nature of the violation.

The removal of the applications comes as authorities step up scrutiny of connected devices and digital systems that could pose cybersecurity risks.

Officials have not suggested that every battery management app is unsafe. However, the latest action highlights concerns over applications that could potentially be misused to interfere with connected vehicles without authorisation.

The government is expected to continue monitoring similar applications as connected mobility solutions become increasingly common across India.