China-linked app used to disable e-rickshaws banned:Action follows 'Tirri Trend' prank videos; miscreants switched off batteries via Bluetooth

The government has ordered the removal of three apps from the App Store that have caused problems for e-rickshaw drivers in several cities, including Delhi. These apps are BAT-BMS, Losiji, and Epoch Li-ion, the IT Ministry announced on Friday. However, these apps are still available on the Play Store. Recently, complaints were received that some people were using these apps via Bluetooth to shut off the e-rickshaw battery and stop it. This caused significant inconvenience to drivers. Videos of these incidents also went viral. In fact, the Bluetooth management system of some e-rickshaw lithium batteries had no password or weak security, so the app connected to it. However, car battery systems have strong security and encryption, so a normal app cannot connect to them. Understand how the app and battery management system work in 8 questions and answers. Question 1: What is the viral BAT-BMS app on social media? Answer: 'BAT-BMS' is a real-time battery management tool developed by the Chinese company Shenzhen Greenergy Technology. Its primary function is to monitor Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries. The app displays overall battery information, essentially a digital dashboard for the battery. Question 2: How does this app work, and how are people able to stop moving e-rickshaws with it? Answer: A Bluetooth-enabled battery management system is installed to monitor the charging, temperature, voltage, and health of e-rickshaw batteries. The driver or mechanic connects to this system through the BAT-BMS app and can view battery information and manage settings if needed. It can connect within a 10-15 meter radius, which is precisely what criminals are exploiting. Question 3: Can all e-rickshaws or electric vehicles in the country be stopped through this app? Answer: This is going viral on social media. In reality, not all e-vehicles are at risk. This app only affects vehicles that meet certain criteria. First condition: The vehicle must be equipped with a lithium-ion battery that supports Bluetooth. Second condition: The battery's Bluetooth connection must be left 'open' without a password. Question 4: Which e-rickshaws are completely safe from the effects of this app? Answer: Currently, a large number of e-rickshaws in India run on older lead-acid batteries, which lack Bluetooth or digital management systems. Therefore, they are completely secure from these apps. Furthermore, lithium batteries with Bluetooth systems that have a strong password set by the manufacturer or dealer cannot be accessed through this app. Also read: After WhatsApp, Telegram faces notice over username feature: Government asks what steps are being taken to prevent the risk of cyber crimes Question 5: What was the purpose of this app created by the Chinese company? Were they for e-rickshaws? Answer: No, the company did not create these apps to control e-rickshaws. Their primary purpose was to monitor the health of lithium batteries in solar power equipment and boats or ships. The app's discharge on/off feature was designed for safety and maintenance purposes, allowing battery owners to cut power if necessary. However, in India, it has been used to remotely shut down e-rickshaw batteries. Question 6: What impact is this having on e-rickshaw drivers and road safety? Answer: People believe that the slow speed of e-rickshaws causes traffic jams. Frustrated, people are turning them off using the app. Some people are doing this as a joke. This has become a problem for drivers. Question 7: Who is actually responsible for this major security lapse? Answer: Local battery assemblers, dealers, and some low-cost lithium battery makers are responsible. Many lithium batteries sold in the cheap e-rickshaw parts market in India have their Bluetooth battery management systems unlocked without a password. This is like leaving the main door of your house open, allowing anyone to enter. Question 8: What is the solution to fix this security flaw? Answer: Vehicle dealers and manufacturers must ensure that strong and unique passwords are set for vehicle battery management systems. This will prevent outsiders from connecting to the battery via an app. Additionally, drivers who already own such batteries can contact their dealer to have a password lock installed on their battery's BMS settings. Also read: NASA’s Artemis II breaks agency streaming record: Launch becomes agency's most-watched livestream ever with 3.66 million viewers Important tips for e-rickshaw drivers: