Govt orders Apple, Google to remove 7 Chinese apps

NEW DELHI: Government has ordered Google and Apple to remove seven Chinese battery management apps, including BAT-BMS, Lossigy and Epoch-i-ion, from their app stores after reports surfaced online that these were being misused to remotely disable battery-operated vehicles, including e-rickshaws.The order - against the backdrop of bans and takedowns since the Galwan confrontation in 2020 - marks the first to address issues of data security, sovereignty and remote interference linked to vehicle devices.Govt sources said the ministry of electronics and IT (MeitY) has warned that any other app found being used to interfere with or remotely shut down battery-operated vehicles will also be blocked.The action followed videos showing e-rickshaws being stopped through Bluetooth-enabled battery management systems. In clips, users were seen scanning batteries through apps and switching off battery discharge, leaving drivers stranded and costing them hours of work.MeitY secretary S Krishnan said, "There are a couple of apps which came to our notice yesterday (Thursday) and they have been taken down from the app stores."Officials said apps like BAT-BMS are designed to monitor battery parameters su-ch as voltage and charge status. On poorly secured systems, the interface can be used to cut power supply.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.