Central Government Bans Chinese Mobile Apps

The Central Government has cracked down on Chinese mobile applications. The government has banned mobile apps that were causing distress by remotely shutting down e-rickshaws in Delhi. Orders have been issued to immediately remove these apps from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The removal comes in the wake of viral videos showing e-rickshaws being shut down in the middle of the road.

What is the actual controversy?
These apps have been causing severe trouble for e-rickshaw drivers and dealers in Delhi. A Chinese mobile app named “BAT-BMS” is used to monitor details such as voltage, temperature, and current in the Battery Management Systems (BMS) of e-rickshaws. This app lacks any password protection or security authentication. Anyone within Bluetooth range can operate it and cut off the power supply to the vehicle with just a single tap.

Taking advantage of this, some individuals have been harassing drivers by remotely switching off moving e-rickshaws on the road using the app. Videos of people operating this through their smartphones have gone viral. The Central Government stated that it is taking strict action to ensure such dangerous apps are no longer accessible to the public. It further clarified that measures to identify and remove apps that pose a threat to public safety from app stores will continue in the future.